By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) and MSU Extension are taking significant steps to address the labor challenges facing the agricultural industry.
With over 500 participants attending farm labor presentations in Michigan alone, and an additional 5,000 at national events, MSU Extension is committed to finding solutions to workforce shortages and the rising costs of labor in agriculture. This effort is bolstered by $1.4 million in grant funding dedicated to agri-food system labor research.
MSU Extension's work has not gone unnoticed. As one agricultural industry stakeholder noted, "We will be utilizing your work as part of our Capitol Hill efforts around labor.
Your research is invaluable in helping us gain traction on these critical issues." The organization’s impact is evident, with 55 media outlets covering their labor research and programs.
Key priority areas for MSU and MSU Extension include understanding the causes of rising labor costs, investigating factors that encourage employee commitment to agricultural work, and identifying policy solutions to address labor challenges for both employers and employees.
These efforts are crucial for strengthening Michigan's agricultural workforce and ensuring the state's long-term productivity.
In 2023, MSU Extension held its first annual farm labor conference, attracting 90 attendees. The conference brought together local and national experts from academia, industry, and government to discuss the pressing issue of agricultural labor shortages.
The event was free to attend and featured prominent speakers, including the director of Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
MSU Extension has also been active on the national stage. During the 2023 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Outlook Forum, MSU Extension met with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to discuss the widespread labor shortages in U.S. agriculture.
The Secretary sought MSU's opinions on proposed farm labor legislation that would impact minimum wages for H-2A visa agricultural guest workers and the legalization of undocumented farm workers.
In addition to these efforts, MSU Extension organized a labor session at the 2023 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo (GLEXPO) and Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo.
The session provided valuable insights into rising labor costs, H-2A visa program wage calculations, and policy options to address labor shortages in the agricultural sector.
Looking ahead, MSU Extension plans to continue its work in this vital area, with additional farm labor conferences scheduled for 2024 and 2025. Through these initiatives, MSU is leading the way in addressing the labor challenges that are critical to the future of agriculture in Michigan and beyond.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension
Categories: Michigan, Education