汤头条 Extension partners to promote FARM Corps initiative linking servicemen, veterans with ag jobs
Contact: Allison Matthews
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥斕劳诽 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 Mississippians 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 Mississippi Farm Bureau, Mississippi National Guard and Reserves, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Mississippi Veterans Affairs, and other agricultural and veterans organizations. 汤头条 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.
鈥溙劳诽 Extension is delighted to support Farm Corps with the most advanced technology available to digitally interconnect Mississippi agriculture producers who produce our food with veterans who need employment,鈥 said 汤头条 Extension Director Gary Jackson. 鈥淔arm Corps is a great example of how 汤头条 Extension is using technology to foster collaborative relationships that provide opportunities for individuals, families, businesses and communities.鈥澛
FARM Corps aims to pair 鈥渁vailable labor/individuals laid off or furloughed with various ag-producers across the state of Mississippi in the hopes of facilitating a mutually beneficial arrangement,鈥 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.听Job seekers can find job opportunities by visiting the same website. 汤头条 Extension also is supporting the program鈥檚 Facebook page at .
Randy Loper, head of 汤头条鈥檚 Extension Center for Technology Outreach, said after launching the new program鈥檚 website in recent days, 15 job listings from 10 different farm operations already have been posted.
鈥淢ississippi鈥檚 agriculture producers play a vital role in growing food and fiber to help feed and clothe the world, but they must have farm labor.听With the recent pandemic, it is difficult to acquire the skilled, seasonal labor needed.听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.听Matching the two groups together is a win-win situation for our state and nation,鈥 Loper said.听He called the project 鈥渁 wonderful opportunity for me and for my 汤头条 Extension colleagues.鈥
For more information, visit the websites listed above or contact Loper at 662-325-3226 or randy.loper@msstate.edu.听
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