Workforce Development Innovation Projects
The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network supports innovative projects that strengthen agricultural workforce development across the Cooperative Extension System. Through competitive grant funding, institutions are developing and expanding programs that address workforce needs, increase access to education and training, and create new pathways for learners, workers, and employers.
Projects Funded
Institutions Funded
Awarded through Grants
Round 1 Projects: Workforce Development in Action
Round 1 projects focused on expanding a variety of workforce development opportunities, addressing training gaps, and increasing access to agricultural education and career pathways for underserved audiences.
Project Period: 2024–2026 (Active)
Success Skills in Spanish 4 Ag
Penn State
Success Skills in Spanish 4 Ag supports workforce development for Spanish-speaking employees in the tree-fruit and poultry industries. The project aims to improve safety, communication, and workforce retention through training in agricultural English, safety compliance, and workplace success skills. The goal is to help Latino workers with limited English proficiency work more safely while increasing confidence, morale, and productivity.
Project Lead: Maria Gorgo-Simcox
Project Highlights
- Expanded to additional industries through a Round 2 AgriProspects award
- Helped Spanish-speaking agricultural workers build skills that support both career advancement and community engagement
- Demonstrated improvements in worker confidence, communication, and safety, with 100% of participants reporting increased confidence speaking English
Farmworker Education Hub
University of Vermont
The Farmworker Education Hub expands access to workforce development opportunities for Vermont’s Spanish-speaking farmworker community. Through flexible online and on-farm learning experiences, participants build skills in dairy production, technology, English language learning, and workplace communication. Courses are designed to meet the unique schedules and needs of farmworkers, creating accessible opportunities that support personal and professional growth.
Project Lead: Esbey Hamilton
Project Highlights:
- Expanded English language instruction through on-farm and online classes, delivering more than 100 hours
- Developed new educational resources for farmworkers, including Agricultural Workplace Orientation materials, community and life skills fact sheets, instructional videos, and a new Farmworker Education Hub website
- Increased access to workforce and educational opportunities by connecting farmworkers with professional development courses, leadership training, and continuing education pathways.
Building Capacity for Young Adults with Disabilities
Colorado State University
This project introduces young adults with disabilities (ages 18–24) to careers in agriculture while building the skills and confidence needed for workforce success. Through the Agricultural Workforce Training (AWT) program, participants gain hands-on experience in farm and ranch operations, safety, horticulture, agronomy, animal management, and workplace readiness skills. The program is designed as a scalable model that can be adapted and expanded to additional communities.
Project Lead: Natalie Bachmeier and Janelle Pisegna
Project Highlights:
- Provided experiential learning opportunities in agricultural production, safety, and career readiness
- Established partnerships between Extension, vocational rehabilitation services, and agricultural employers
- Developed a scalable framework for expanding agricultural workforce training opportunities across Colorado
GoFarm Hawaii
University of Hawaii
Developing Supplemental Courses to Increase Hawaii Farm Revenues expanded GoFarm Hawaiʻi’s educational offerings through specialized training programs in orchard management, floriculture, and poultry production. The project piloted innovative course models that combined online instruction, field experiences, and industry partnerships to help farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs build technical skills, strengthen business knowledge, and increase farm profitability.
By leveraging staff expertise across multiple islands and collaborating with local agricultural producers, the project created new pathways for learners to gain practical, industry-informed training in high-value agricultural enterprises.
Project Lead: Laura Ediger
Project Highlights:
- Piloted new training programs in orchard management, floriculture, and poultry production through GoFarm Hawaiʻi
- Served more than 70 participants across the three course offerings
- Demonstrated significant increases in participant knowledge and confidence in commercial agricultural production
Growing Kentucky Growers: Prisoner Horticulture Education Expansion
University of Kentucky
Growing Kentucky Growers expands prison horticulture education to address workforce needs in the controlled environment agriculture industry while supporting workforce readiness and reentry opportunities for incarcerated individuals. In partnership with the Kentucky Department of Corrections, the project provides training and helps participants build skills relevant to modern agricultural operations. The project also strengthens existing horticulture programming through industry-informed curriculum development, workforce credentials, and train-the-trainer opportunities designed to support long-term program sustainability.
Project Lead: Qinglu Ying
Project Highlights:
- Delivered three in-person educational programs and published two Cooperative Extension educational modules, with additional curriculum under development
- Selected and prepared to implement a hydroponic vertical growing system to provide hands-on workforce training in controlled environment agriculture
Agricultural Entrepreneurs Coaching Program
University of Maryland
The Agricultural Entrepreneurs Coaching Program helps agricultural entrepreneurs launch and strengthen farm and food businesses. Building on a coaching program the grant expanded the initiative through a cohort-based learning model that combines expert coaching, peer learning, and industry engagement. Participants develop business portfolios that include mission statements, production plans, marketing strategies, and financial plans and receive feedback from agricultural business professionals and lending partners.
Project Lead: Neith Little and Shannon Dill
Project Highlights:
- Recruited strong interest for the inaugural cohort, receiving 45 applications and selecting 17 participants for the first training cohort
- Preparing to launch the inaugural entrepreneurial coaching cohort, providing participants with expert coaching, peer learning, and business planning support
Modernization and Expansion of Cultivating Success Sustainable Small Farms Education Program
Washington State University
Cultivating Success is a long-standing beginning farmer education program that helps new and existing farmers develop the business planning, production, and decision-making skills needed to build successful farm and food businesses. Through a community-based and experiential learning approach, participants connect with working farmers, explore real-world agricultural challenges, and gain practical tools for long-term success.
The AgriProspects grant supported the modernization and expansion of the program through enhanced technology integration, flexible learning pathways, improved accessibility, and expanded learner support services.
Project Lead: Amit Sharma
Project Highlights:
- Delivered a revised synchronous version of the course and began evaluating participant feedback to guide future improvements
- Developing an asynchronous learning platform to expand access and flexibility for beginning farmers
Dairy Farm Safety Management: Promoting Biosecurity, Safety, and Hazard Control
South Dakota State University
The program provides culturally relevant, Spanish-language training to dairy farm employees. Delivered directly on farms, the program helps workers build practical skills in biosecurity, workplace safety, emergency preparedness, chemical handling, fire prevention, and first aid while addressing language and accessibility barriers that can limit participation in traditional training programs. The project aims to create safer workplaces, improve employee confidence, and support long-term workforce retention within the dairy industry.
Project Lead: Maristela Rovai
Project Highlights:
- Delivered farm-based safety training to approximately 200 Latino dairy employees across 10 South Dakota dairy operations
- Expanded access to Spanish-language education on biosecurity, emergency preparedness, first aid, and workplace safety
- Strengthened worker confidence and emergency response skills through hands-on, culturally relevant training
Filling Gaps in the Specialty Crop Ag Workforce
University of Kentucky
This project addresses workforce shortages in specialty crop agriculture by expanding access to educational resources, career development opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences. The project supports both current agricultural workers and future professionals through multilingual training in pest management and horticultural production, as well as internships, mentorships, and career exploration activities.
Working in partnership with Bluegrass Community and Technical College, the project seeks to strengthen workforce pathways and build a more skilled, diverse, and prepared specialty crop workforce.
Project Lead: Nicole Gauthier
Project Highlights:
- Published a collection of Spanish-language Extension publications on plant pathology, integrated pest management, greenhouse production, and disease management for agricultural workers and growers
- Expanded multilingual workforce development resources through the Grow Forward website, including Spanish-language Extension publications and educational modules for specialty crop workers
- Developed educational videos and translated science-based Extension resources to improve access to plant pathology, sanitation, and disease management training for Spanish-speaking agricultural workers
Leveraging Inter-organizational Resources to Develop Multilingual Viticultural Materials
Virginia Tech
This project expands access to workforce development opportunities within the viticulture industry. Building on a long-standing partnership between Virginia Tech and the Virginia Vineyards Association, the project developed bilingual educational materials and training resources that help vineyard employees and managers build skills in vineyard management, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance.
The project supports a more accessible and inclusive agricultural workforce by providing educational resources in both English and Spanish and delivering training through videos, workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Project Lead: Drew Harner
Project Highlights:
- Produced bilingual educational videos on vineyard disease management and developed additional training videos covering pruning and nutrient management
- Trained 107 vineyard workers through 14 Worker Protection Standard (WPS) certification sessions and delivered four bilingual workshops on vineyard management, integrated pest management, and pesticide safety
- Launched the VineFolk initiative, creating English- and Spanish-language social media channels to expand access to vineyard education and workforce training
Permaculture for Professionals: Developing Pathways for a Skilled Workforce in Regenerative and Ecological Land Management
Utah State
Permaculture for Professionals is building workforce pathways in regenerative and ecological land management through professional training, community engagement, and applied learning experiences. The project expands access to permaculture education for landscape architects, educators, Extension professionals, underserved communities, and the Navajo Nation while exploring ways to strengthen and modernize permaculture workforce development.
Building on a successful Permaculture Design Certificate program, the project is also developing online training opportunities to help professionals integrate regenerative land management principles into their work.
Project Lead: Roslynn McCann
Project Highlights:
- Delivered an Intermountain West Permaculture Design Certificate program and supported food sovereignty efforts through the planting of 116 trees, shrubs, and medicinal plants on the Navajo Nation
- Developing an online Permaculture Design Fundamentals course to expand access to ecological and regenerative land management education.
- Launched a global research initiative with permaculture professionals and organizations to identify workforce pathways and strengthen career development opportunities in regenerative land management.
Round 2 Projects: Emerging Technologies and the Future of Workforce Development
Round 2 projects are exploring artificial intelligence, digital credentials, and innovative approaches to workforce readiness. These projects are currently underway and will be added to this page as resources and project outcomes become available.
Project Period: 2026– (Active)
Establishing a Micro-Credentialing Infrastructure for Extension
Penn State
Building on the Success Skills in Spanish for Agriculture project, this initiative develops industry-informed microcredential training for agricultural workers in tree fruit, poultry, dairy, mushroom production, and landscaping while expanding opportunities for supervisory and advanced workforce training.
Project Lead: Maria Gorgo-Simcox
Developing Skilled Workforce Training in Fruit & Vegetable Drying and Freezing
Oregon State University
As food processors face increasing demands related to product quality, food safety, efficiency, and emerging technologies, this project seeks to equip agricultural professionals with the technical skills needed to support innovation and value-added food production. The project will develop and deliver a hybrid credentialed short courses combining instruction in drying and freezing science, food safety, quality management, hands-on laboratory experiences, and applications of artificial intelligence.
Project Lead: Dr. Qingyang Wang
Logging Smarter: AI-Enhanced Hardwood Bucking Training for Adult Workforce Development
Virginia Tech
Logging Smarter uses artificial intelligence, computer vision, and image generation technologies to modernize workforce training for the forestry industry. The project focuses on hardwood bucking, the process of cutting logs into marketable products, which requires workers to make complex decisions that directly affect timber value and profitability. Integrated into Virginia Tech’s SHARP Logger Program, the project will develop interactive training tools that simulate real-world logging scenarios, allowing learners to practice decision-making and understand the economic impact of their choices.
Project Lead: Dr. Pipiet Larasatie
FIELD-AI: Farm & Industry Extension Learning via Digital AI-Credentials
University of Florida
This project is developing a statewide micro-credentialing program designed to help Florida’s agricultural workforce understand and apply artificial intelligence in practical, real-world settings. Guided by a statewide needs assessment, the project will create accessible, research-based training that helps farmers, farmworkers, and agricultural professionals learn how AI tools can support decision-making, improve efficiency, and address industry challenges.
Project Lead: Dr. Christian Christensen
Training Ag Extension and Farmer Users for AI and IoT
Tennessee State University
By integrating affordable digital tools into agricultural education and training programs, the project aims to help users better understand how data-driven technologies can support farm management, food safety, traceability, and market access. Through train-the-trainer programs, on-farm demonstrations, and partnerships with local producers, the project will build digital skills in AI, data analytics, and IoT applications. The resulting training model is designed to create scalable resources that can be adapted by Extension professionals and agricultural communities.
Project Lead: Dr. Suping Zhou
Digital Badge Training in Food Safety, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies
Utah State University
By providing industry-aligned content and stackable digital credentials, the project will help participants build job-ready skills, improve regulatory compliance, increase productivity and sustainability, and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of agricultural communities in Utah, with pilot expansion to Indiana to support broader replication.
Project Lead: Dr. Jose Brandao Delgado
Adult Training in Sustainable Practices and Emerging Green Jobs
Kentucky State University
Designed for unemployed, underemployed, and career-transitioning adults, the training connects participants directly with local employers in landscaping, conservation, and municipal services. By building a skilled workforce to support urban greening, food production, and environmental resilience, the project will strengthen community health, expand economic opportunity, and offer a replicable model for Extension-led workforce development.
Project Lead: Jody Thompson
Digital Crop Scouts: AI Crop Monitoring Workforce Development
Oregon State University
This project will build the capacity of growers and Extension educators to use affordable, do-it-yourself artificial intelligence tools for early detection of crop stress in remote areas. The program combines hands-on, in-field workshops with virtual training, enabling users to customize and manage their own open-source systems while maintaining data ownership.
Project Lead: Rachel Baschieri
Establishing the Nation’s First Digital Credential for AI Marketing Skills in Agriculture & Extension Across the Southern Region
Mississippi State University
Participants will gain experience using ChatGPT and Canva AI to strengthen digital visibility, sales, and engagement. By embedding verified credentials and scaling delivery across the Southern Region through university partnerships, the project addresses market access gaps, standardizes competencies, and equips participants with practical, in-demand skills for success in an increasingly digital agricultural economy.
Project Lead: Dr. James Barnes
Expanding Extension’s Capacity through AI training, Tools, and Credentials
University of Minnesota
This project will strengthen Extension’s ability to support farmers using emerging AI technologies by developing accessible training, credentials, and tools through the multi-university AI-LEAF initiative. Designed primarily for Extension educators, the project equips participants with practical skills to interpret and apply AI-driven insights, data-informed decision-making, and effectively teach these concepts to farmers.
Project Lead: Dr. Maria Gini
