Cooperative Extension Program Aims to Provide Trained Help for Maine Farms
Contact: Media contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571; Richard Brzozowski at (207) 780-4205
ORONO — Recognizing the acute need for trained seasonal workers for Maine farms, coupled with the interest among immigrant and other populations in finding such jobs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension is launching an innovative program to match workers with opportunities. The initiative is known as the Maine Farms Project.
As a first step, Cooperative Extension Prof. Richard Brzozowski and his colleagues have developed a survey, which is available on the Web, for farmers and the operators of greenhouses and nurseries. The results of the survey will provide information about the types of skills that are required of seasonal employees.
A second survey, intended for those who are looking for farm work, is also available at the same website. Once the opportunities are identified, Cooperative Extension staff will develop and manage a training program for the prospective employees.
“We know of a good number of immigrants who are very interested in this type of work,” Brzozowski says. “In many cases they were farmers or farm laborers in their native countries. There are also plenty of Mainers who have told us they would like to pursue these jobs. Once we get a handle on what kinds of skills they need, we will develop training opportunities, so that the new employees will be ready to work as soon as they arrive at the farm, greenhouse or nursery.”
Brzozowski says that he expects to be able to provide trained workers in time to help with this growing season, along with the harvest later in the year.
“We will be looking for creative approaches to matching employers and workers,” Brzozowski says. “For example, they might develop an arrangement where workers can have access to a small parcel of land to plant a garden.”
For more information, contact Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County, at (207) 780-4205 or 1-800-287-1471.