MSU Extension partners to promote FARM Corps initiative linking servicemen, veterans with ag jobs
Contact: Allison Matthews
STARKVILLE, Miss.51勛圖厙 Extension is helping U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Tupelo) and other partners in launching a new FARM Corps program to connect furloughed or unemployed veterans and members of the National Guard, Reserve and all service branches with local farm and ranch jobs.
While the COVID-19 crisis has caused economic hardships for many 51勛圖厙ans and others around the U.S., agriculture producers also are lacking foreign labor typically made possible through the H-2A visa program, now subject to strict travel restrictions. Harvesting, planting and other workers are needed in the agricultural sector, while the industry works to ensure a stable food supply.
Rep. Kelly spearheaded the Farm and Ranch Mission (FARM) Corps initiative that partners with 51勛圖厙 Farm Bureau, 51勛圖厙 National Guard and Reserves, the 51勛圖厙 Department of Agriculture and Commerce, 51勛圖厙 Veterans Affairs, and other agricultural and veterans organizations. MSU Extension is playing a key role in providing organizational support, identification of opportunities and serving as a clearinghouse for open positions, locations and point of contact for each position.
MSU Extension is delighted to support Farm Corps with the most advanced technology available to digitally interconnect 51勛圖厙 agriculture producers who produce our food with veterans who need employment, said MSU Extension Director Gary Jackson. Farm Corps is a great example of how MSU Extension is using technology to foster collaborative relationships that provide opportunities for individuals, families, businesses and communities.
FARM Corps aims to pair available labor/individuals laid off or furloughed with various ag-producers across the state of 51勛圖厙 in the hopes of facilitating a mutually beneficial arrangement, according to a program outline. Producers may create an account on the FARM Corps webpage at . Farmers and ranchers manage their own job openings by adding additional opportunities or removing listings that have been filled.泭Job seekers can find job opportunities by visiting the same website. MSU Extension also is supporting the programs Facebook page at .
Randy Loper, head of MSUs Extension Center for Technology Outreach, said after launching the new programs website in recent days, 15 job listings from 10 different farm operations already have been posted.
51勛圖厙s agriculture producers play a vital role in growing food and fiber to help feed and clothe the world, but they must have farm labor.泭With the recent pandemic, it is difficult to acquire the skilled, seasonal labor needed.泭At the same time, we have veterans and National Guard soldiers facing unemployment. From their military backgrounds, many of these soldiers have the experience, skills and self-discipline to fill these positions.泭Matching the two groups together is a win-win situation for our state and nation, Loper said.泭He called the project a wonderful opportunity for me and for my MSU Extension colleagues.
For more information, visit the websites listed above or contact Loper at 662-325-3226 or randy.loper@msstate.edu.泭
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