Agricultural & Foreign Labor Services April News and Highlights

In March, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Workforce Development (LEO-WD) organized two Growers' Informational Meetings to provide growers with relevant and current information. The first meeting was held at the Benton Harbor Michigan Works! Service Center, where the LEO Agricultural Employment Services (AES) team eagerly welcomed many growers and partners.

The atmosphere was one of collaboration and shared learning as attendees engaged in discussions, networked with one another, and gained insights that could help them enhance their operations and navigate challenges effectively. The enthusiasm and participation demonstrated by the growers and partners underscored the importance and value of such events in fostering a solid and supportive agricultural community.

The second meeting took place virtually. The two meetings drew more than 150 agricultural employers, representatives from various agencies and out-of-state workforce staff. The meetings were comprehensive, covering essential topics such as changes to agricultural labor laws, labor recruitment strategies, worker safety protocols, and the potential impact of weather on crop conditions for the upcoming season. Attendees' engagement and active participation highlighted the significance of staying informed and connected within the agricultural community.  

As a follow-up to the Growers’ Informational Meetings, the AES team encouraged employers to take advantage of the business services available at all Michigan Works! Service Centers throughout the state. The AES team and MWAs offer assistance in meeting labor needs through the Agricultural Recruitment System (ARS), ensuring growers have access to the resources and tools needed to sustain and grow their operations successfully. For more information, visit your local Michigan Works! Service Center or contact your local Agricultural Employment Liaison for assistance.

During the busy agricultural peak season, AELs visit migrant camps and employers to offer employment services and referrals to partner agencies. Recently, Agricultural Employment Liaisons Clarikssa Mejia and Sandy Jimenez visited an apple orchard where workers were trimming apple trees and spoke with both the employer and the workers. 

The employer showed keen interest in the employment services and information and the employees were grateful for the information received, as well as for the towels and warm blankets they provided.

Special thanks to Clarikssa, Sandy and the entire outreach staff for the exceptional services provided to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and employers.

As a Cuban refugee, Ramon arrived in the U.S. along with his son seeking a better life. When he arrived, however, Ramon didn't have essential documents like a driver’s license, Social Security number and a work permit.

He connected with Michigan Works! West Central where he qualified for cash assistance while actively working on improving his English and fulfilling volunteer obligations as part of the PATH program.

Despite challenges, Ramon remained diligent in his communication with Michigan Works! West Central. In November 2023, he became eligible to apply for residency, and Michigan Works! West Central provided financial assistance to cover the associated fees. Though the wait for approval felt long, Ramon remained motivated by his desire to secure employment.

On March 4, 2024, Ramon and his son had received their residency cards. Grateful for the support received, he expressed his appreciation. With his newfound residency status, Ramon wasted no time applying for a job installing solar panels. He started work at the end of March, eager to embark on this new chapter of his life.

The Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity released Michigan’s first-ever report focused on rural issues, the Roadmap to Rural Prosperity, in January 2024.

By synthesizing input from rural community leaders combined with additional research on key rural challenges and opportunities, the Roadmap to Rural Prosperity aims to give voice to rural communities, foster a statewide understanding of rural needs and priorities and help guide local, regional and state leaders in advancing collaborative and collective action to achieve prosperity across rural Michigan.

View the complete Roadmap here.

SeasonalJobs.dol.gov is an online platform that links people to seasonal and temporary employment opportunities throughout the United States.

Whether you’re looking for seasonal work or require a short-term job, the website assists you in finding suitable employment.

In recognition of National Farmworker Awareness Week, Ginger Vallejo, Office of Foreign Labor Services manager, had the privilege of attending the 2024 MSU César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration. This event pays tribute to the enduring legacy of two remarkable U.S. labor leaders and civil rights activists: César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta.

The annual celebration took place at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, located in East Lansing. Each year, this gathering brings together the Michigan State University community and statewide partners to honor the impact made by Chávez and Huerta.

These trailblazers, driven by vision and passion, devoted their lifetimes to championing farmworkers’ rights, social justice, and equality. The theme for 2024, “Cosechando Nuestros Sueños: Harvesting Our Dreams,” beautifully captured the essence of hope, resilience and shared aspirations. The event invited the audience to contemplate the dreams we cultivate and the strides we tirelessly pursue.

During workshops, discussions and shared experiences, participants engaged in conversations about the challenges faced by Latinx and farmworker communities. Simultaneously, they celebrated the unwavering efforts dedicated to overcoming these obstacles.

Attendees learned about The Bandana Project, a public awareness campaign aimed at addressing the issue of workplace sexual violence against farmworker women in the United States.

The event featured Keynote Speaker Mónica Ramírez—a dedicated gender equity activist, civil rights attorney and co-founder of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas. Her inspirational and heartwarming speech resonated with the audience, reinforcing the empowerment of marginalized communities through her insights and unwavering advocacy.

State Monitor Advocate recognized for service to community

At the March 15 Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan meeting State Monitor Advocate Gerardo Aranda was recognized for the 40 plus years of serving the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker community with the ethnic/racial demographic consisting of nearly 70% Hispanic/Latino individuals.

Gerardo outlined his career by addressing the commissioners and shared how being an ex-migrant farmworker prepared him for the position of State Monitor Advocate. State Division Administrator Hector Arroyo Jr. attended the event and spoke of Gerardo’s dedication to the MSFWs and to LEO-WD.

“It’s an honor being recognized by the commission, you are doing great things in the Hispanic/Latino Community,” said Gerardo.

Gerardo’s career with Employment Service began in 1979 as a seasonal MSFW outreach worker. Thereafter, he held positions in the Unemployment Agency, Employment Service as an Interviewer, Assistant State Monitor Advocate and currently the State Monitor Advocate.