Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Wagner-Peyser Program (Employment Services)
All Program-Specific Requirements provided for the WIOA core programs in this section must be addressed for either a Unified or Combined State Plan.
e. 1. Assessment of Need. Provide an assessment of the unique needs of farmworkers in the area based on past and projected agricultural and farmworker activity in the State. Such needs may include but are not limited to: employment, training, and housing.
Current Narrative:
(1). Assessment of Need - Provide an assessment of the unique needs of farmworkers in the area based on past and projected agricultural and farmworker activity in the State. Such needs may include but are not limited to: employment, training, and housing.
Maryland’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry sector remains the largest commercial industry in the State.[1] According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service, 12,256 farms were operating in the State in 2016, producing an annual economic impact of 2.2 billion dollars for the year. Consistent with national statistics, 84 percent of Maryland’s farms are classified as family farms.[2]
While the agricultural sector continues to flourish, the demand for farm workers has seen an overall decline. The drop in field crop values from 2012-2106[3][iii] set against a backdrop of rising farmland values may be driving a shift in some agricultural employers’ investments. An increased focus on grain crops that utilize mechanization may also be contributing to decreased labor demands, since Maryland’s MSFWs have historically been employed in picking and packing fruits and vegetables. Some local distilleries are working to research grains that will grow well in Maryland in the hopes of partnering with farmers switching to grain crops. The distillers and brewers would like to purchase locally grown grains with which to brew their craft beers and spirits. While this may not increase the demand for farm workers, it may be an avenue for farmers to continue to farm and possibly increase their revenues.
Maryland’s agricultural employers anecdotally report that the decreased need for labor has not eased an ongoing struggle to recruit qualified U.S. workers to meet their hiring needs. Employers compensate for the shortage of domestic workers by seeking temporary agricultural workers through the FLC H-2A program. The USDA’s 2016 Annual Report indicates that Maryland ranks 34th in the nation for H-2A certifications, with 804 H-2A positions approved.
Farm workers who work in Maryland face many of the same challenges confronted by farm workers elsewhere. Access to affordable healthcare and dental services is limited for farm workers who live and work in remote locations where reduced cost services are either unavailable or require significant travel. Some farm workers have complained that they do not have enough secure storage space for their belongings during the off-season. Outreach staff will work with farm workers on an ongoing basis to identify challenges and assist in addressing issues via referrals or other assistance, as appropriate. As reported by one grower, there are farms that are having their H2A workforce not arrive, at all. This workforce uncertainty is presenting a challenge.
During outreach efforts, all farm workers (H2A, MSFW, and seasonal) are offered assistance and services. Services available to farm workers include complaint resolution, known as the complaint system. There has always been a need for housing inspections and training on various safety issues such as heat stress training and safe pesticide usage.
[1] http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/agri.html
[2] https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=MARYLAND
3.https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Maryland/Publications/Annual_Statistical_Bulletin/2016/2016-2017%20MD%20Annual%20Bulletin.pdf