Agribusiness Employers/Growers
There are many federal, state, and local organizations that provide support, information, and resources for employers of Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFW). This includes United States government agencies, their related or similar Texas counterparts, various nonprofit organizations, agricultural businesses, and associations.
This Agribusiness Employers/Growers portal
- Strives to connect various organizations and businesses who employ and/or serve Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.
- Provides one place to access information, tools, and resources that are readily available to support you and your Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker employees.
Finding Workers
Agricultural Recruitment System
- Connects Agricultural employers with U.S. job seekers.
- Job opportunities for migrant workers from around the country.
- Agricultural Services Information for employers in agricultural businesses.
- Workforce Solutions offices offer free one-on-one services to workers and employers. Locate your nearest office.
Migrant Education Program (MEP)
- This video from IDRC provides a quick overview of this Dept. of Education program that works with children of farmworkers.
- This video from TEA provides information about the MEP in Texas and how children can qualify for this free support.
U.S. Dept. of Education: Office of Migrant Education
- Describes program goals, types of projects, and resources provided to the states to support the Title I, Part C MEP.
You might have a worker who is eligible…
- This brochure from IDRC helps employers determine if they have workers who may be eligible for support within the MEP.
- Quick online form that helps identify students who may be eligible for supplemental educational services through the MEP.
- Provides website and contact information for MEP support by region throughout Texas.
Free Digital Resources available for Texas families in the MEP
Meeting Health & Safety Requirements
Pesticide Safety
U.S. EPA: National Farmworker Training Program
- This program is working to develop national pesticide safety training, education, and outreach for farmworkers.
U.S. EPA: Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS)
- This link provides a “How to Comply” manual for anyone who employs agricultural workers or handlers.
Other Health and Safety Requirements
Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)
- This site includes links to employment law guides and cultivating compliance information.
- Provides information and resources to help employers and employees create and maintain safe and healthy work environments.
- Federal and state information about child labor laws.
- This Department of Labor site provides information about the Monitor Advocate System, laws and regulations, performance and reporting and resources.
Resources
NCFH: Resources for Ag Employers
- Assisting employers of all sizes with resources that increase their workers’ awareness of and access to health services in the United States.
- Offers a variety of safety signs that can be used in and around farms to help employers comply with OSHA regulations and create a safe work environment.
Resources to Share with Workers
Eligibility Matrix for Federal Programs
- This document from the Office of Migrant Education compares eligibility requirements for six programs that provide services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Training
- Food Safety: Texas GAPs and GHPs are course modules offered by Texas A&M Agrilife for a fee.
- Agricultural Connection Community supports career services and training for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Serving and Protecting Farmers & Agribusinesses
National
- Provides resources and support for farmers and ranchers.
IDRC Agriculture Trends Newsletter
- Current headlines in US Agriculture from across the country.
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
- The NASDA works to enhance American food and agricultural communities through education, outreach, and research.
Texas
- The FSA works to ensure Texas farmers, ranchers, and landowners have access to technical assistance, funding, and programs. FSA programs provide an important safety net during times of economic uncertainty, disaster, and emergency.
- The Texas Farm Bureau supports farmers and ranchers and strives to be the voice of Texas agriculture.
Texas-specific Resources
- The TAC consists of many member organizations and exists primarily and foremost as a forum for discussion.
- The Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association represent the cotton ginning industry and cooperates with other organizations to maintain the economic vitality and security of agriculture.
- The Texas Nursery and Landscape Association strives to empower individuals and organizations to harness the collective power of community, fostering collaboration, growth, and resilience.
Texas Small Producers Initiative
- The Small Producers Initiative.
Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center
- This is one of 12 Regional Food Business Centers nationwide. It serves as a regional hub, providing localized assistance to address the needs of small and mid-sized food producers and food business.
- Provides relevant resources and programs tailored for the unique needs of each Texas county.