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For Immediate Release
June 3, 2020
Contacts:
Yvette Meunier, Farm Labor Link Network Coordinator, yvette.meunier@maine.gov
Julie Kramer, Program Manager, Maine JobLink, julie.a.kramer@maine.gov
Jessica Picard, Communications Manager, State of Maine Department of Labor, jessica.l.picard@maine.gov
Public and Private Collaboration Assists with Agricultural Labor Needs
AUGUSTA – The Maine Departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and Labor (DOL) have teamed up with Wild Blueberry Commission, Maine Dairy Industry Association, and Maine Aquaculture Association to introduce FarmingForME (#FarmingForME), an agricultural labor awareness campaign. FarmingForME encourages farmers and job seekers to take advantage of free use of the Maine JobLink platform. The FarmingForME campaign begins June 3 and includes email- and social media marketing that encourage broad sharing of recruiting graphics and helps create word-of-mouth awareness.
“Our agricultural community has long faced challenges in finding available labor,” says Nancy McBrady, Bureau of Agriculture Director. “Our hope with FarmingForME is to reach employers and attract needed workers throughout Maine.”
“Maine JobLink is an easy way for employers to connect with 1,000s of potential employees,” says Kimberley Moore, Director of the Bureau of Employment Services at DOL. “It is also a great resource for job seekers allowing them to view the landscape of available agricultural jobs quickly.”
Agricultural employers can freely post and manage job listings on DOL’s JobLink platform, review applicant profiles, save searches and resumes, and get hiring notifications. Job seekers can discover these essential positions, create profiles, be notified of job matches, and access training and educational resources.
“As the production season approaches, we are hearing from farmers that some out-of-state skilled workers they have relied upon for decades won’t be making the trip this year. We launched this campaign to ensure farmers will have the workforce needed to continue growing and harvesting this season,” says Eric Venturini, Executive Director of the Wild Blueberry Commission.
“Agricultural talent is in high demand in Maine. The work is diverse and caters to all skill sets from youth employment, to blue-collar, green collar, management, and ownership positions. There is important work that ensures food security available in diversified agriculture, precision agriculture, and sustainable agriculture across the state,” says Yvette Meunier, DACF Farm Labor Link Network Coordinator.
Employers and job seekers should also leverage DACF’s Farm Labor Link Network. This dynamic site includes hiring incentive programs, job posting guidance, job search guidance, career placement services, legal resources, and more. Contact Yvette Meunier, Farm Labor Link Network Coordinator, yvette.meunier@maine.gov, for Farm Labor Link Network information.
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