ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today announced a new $2.4 million initiative to develop and implement agriculture-focused workforce training programs.

“Farmers drive our economy, contribute to a nation-leading industry, and most importantly, provide the food and raw materials that the rest of the world depend on,” said Governor Walz. “We should be supporting, training, and encouraging the next generation of farmers. Training programs like this one are an effective way to help people overcome barriers to gaining the skills and knowledge they’ll need to enter one of the growing career areas in agriculture.”

“DEED is proud to help establish career pipelines for people looking for family-sustaining wages in agricultural work,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Minnesota’s agricultural producers are facing historic uncertainty as they navigate federal changes to tariffs policies. Programs like this one help provide stable opportunities that can lead to full-time employment for workers and long-term growth for Minnesota’s economy.”

The new Growing Careers Program will award grants up to $500,000 for partners to develop training programs that will help more Minnesotans enter agriculture careers, especially dislocated workers, including those with low-income or who need assistance with basic skill development. It aims to increase the number of new and emerging farmers and farm businesses, creating a pipeline of well-trained workers to meet the needs of employers and increase the number of new entrants into agricultural sector pathways.

“This program supports DEED’s longstanding goal to connect more people to family-sustainable careers,” said DEED Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Marc Majors. “It adds to our efforts to provide high-quality skills training for Minnesotans to pursue family-sustaining wages in all sectors and develop workforces for sectors that are projected for high growth in the coming years.”

“Agricultural workers are the backbone of our economy; they produce the food, fuel, and fiber we rely on every day,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “This training program will help Minnesota continue to be an agriculture powerhouse by supporting a new generation of workers on and near the farm.”

Agriculture-related careers are increasingly in demand in Minnesota, including the new legal cannabis sector. According to DEED’s Minnesota Occupations in Demand tool, demand for many farming-related careers is projected to grow at an above-average rate over the next 10 years, including:

• Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians, up 14%
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Drivers, up 5.8%
• Supervisors of Farming, Fishing and Forestry Workers, up 4.5% 

The Growing Careers Program will fund efforts that focus on agricultural worker on-the-job training, career navigation and worker support services, and paid work experience. The new program is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership. 

More information on the Growing Careers Request for Proposal and the upcoming webinar can be found on DEED’s website.