Farms.com Home   News

Addressing Labor Challenges Together

Addressing Labor Challenges Together

By Jeremy Jubenville and Florencia Colella 

Ask any agricultural employer in Michigan to list their biggest concerns and there's a good chance labor ranks near the top. Attracting and retaining employees has long been a challenge for the food and agriculture industry. In an effort to address this issue, a multi-organizational team led by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has developed an Employer Hiring Needs survey to gain insight into the current hiring practices of food and agricultural employers. The team, which includes colleagues from MDARD, Michigan Farm BureauMichigan State UniversityMichigan State University ExtensionMichigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Michigan Works!, will use this insight to identify trends and develop recruiting and retention suggestions for Michigan's food and agricultural business sector.

Click for Food and Agriculture Employer Hiring Needs Form

Are you an employer in the food and agriculture sector? Please help our efforts to assist the industry in breaking out of a seemingly never-ending state of labor shortage by filling out the form and sharing it with other employers.

The Employer Needs Form gathers basic information, such as:

  • Size of organization
  • Benefits and compensation
  • Top hiring positions
  • Peak hiring months
  • Job promotion practices
  • Partner organizations
  • Training programs

It has 17 questions and should take about 10 minutes or less to complete.

Participation is voluntary and information gathered will remain confidential.

Source : msu.edu

Trending Video

FMO and OFA Partner Video

Video: FMO and OFA Partner Video

OFA and Farmers' Markets Ontario have long shared similar goals and this year have partnered on a project to support local food producers. With $50,000 in cost-share funding from OFA, the two organizations supported marketing that promotes local Ontario farmers like Alex from Thames River Melons at farmers’ markets across the province. These initiatives help to promote local food, enhance consumer access, and build direct connections with farmers.