Agricultural & Foreign Labor Services March News and Highlights

March is a time to honor the vital role agriculture plays in our lives, our economy and our communities. National Food and Agriculture Month is an opportunity to recognize the farmers, farmworkers and agribusinesses that provide the food, fiber and fuel we depend on every day.

Michigan Agriculture by the Numbers

• A 2023 analysis by the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics found that the agriculture cluster— including farmworkers, laborers, food-prep workers and machinery mechanics—employed just over 98,000 people in Michigan.
• There are more than 47,000 farms across Michigan.
• Agriculture contributes $104 billion annually to Michigan’s economy.
• Michigan ranks among the top states for diverse crop production, including fruits, vegetables and dairy.

From family farms to innovative agricultural technologies, this month reminds us of the hard work and dedication that keep Michigan and the nation growing strong. Agriculture is more than an industry; it’s a way of life that sustains us all.

Learn more about the Michigan Agriculture Industry here.

National Agriculture Week: March 16–22

The third week of March marks National Agriculture Week, a time to celebrate and educate others about the importance of agriculture. This week highlights how agriculture touches every aspect of our daily lives from the meals on our tables to the clothes we wear.

How can you celebrate?

• Thank a Farmer: Express appreciation to those who work tirelessly to feed and clothe us.
• Share the Story: Use social media to spread awareness about agriculture’s impact.
• Support Local: Buy from local farmers and markets to strengthen Michigan’s agricultural community.

The AFLS team plays a critical role in sustaining a healthy and reliable workforce for Michigan’s agriculture industry. AFLS helps meet employers’ workforce needs by providing recruitment assistance, compliance support and connections to skilled labor. AFLS also offers resources, training and job opportunities for farmworkers helping them gain skills and economic stability while strengthening Michigan’s agricultural workforce through their Agriculture Employment Services team and the National Farmworker Jobs Program.

Are you an agricultural employer looking for workforce solutions? Or a farmworker seeking training and job opportunities? Connect with us today! Visit Michigan.gov/AFLS for more information or call the Agriculture Recruitment System phone line at (855) 633-2373. Together, we can keep Michigan agriculture strong and thriving!

Agricultural Recruitment System

Finding the right workforce doesn’t have to be complicated. The Agricultural Recruitment System is designed to make hiring efficient, streamlined and stress-free while expanding your access to qualified U.S. workers. With just three strategic steps, the Agricultural Recruitment System broadens your reach and maximizes your recruitment efforts:

• Step 1: Local Recruitment
  Connect with workers in your immediate area and tap into your local labor pool first.
• Step 2: Intra-State Recruitment
  Expand your search across Michigan to reach additional qualified workers ready to work.
• Step 3: Inter-State Recruitment
  Broaden your reach beyond state lines to access an even larger network of available U.S. workers.

Each step builds on the next, increasing your visibility and strengthening your hiring outcomes at no cost to you. Let the Agricultural Recruitment System work for you this season and connect your operation with the workforce it needs to thrive. Your local Agricultural Employment Liaison is available to guide you through each step of filing an Agricultural Recruitment System job order and help ensure your labor needs are met efficiently.

The National Farmworkers Jobs Program (NFJP) housing program has officially launched to address critical housing needs for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs). This program will serve Allegan, Berrien, Huron, Kalamazoo, Kent, Leelanau, Monroe, Oceana, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties.

Through collaboration with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and its approved local partners, Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies and Housing Counseling Agencies, the NFJP housing program will complement Career Services and Training by supporting economic outcomes for MSFWs through safe and sanitary housing solutions. The program offers:

1. Permanent Housing Assistance: Financial support and counseling to secure long-term rental or homeownership, helping participants maintain employment, training and economic stability.
2. Temporary Housing Assistance: Emergency or short-term rental support for MSFWs during employment or travel, ensuring stability while participating in workforce or training activities.

This initiative meets a critical need for housing security and strengthens NFJP’s commitment to improving the lives of farmworkers and their families.

If you are a farmworker in need of housing assistance or an employer seeking resources to support your workforce, we are here to help! Learn more about National Farmworker Jobs Program here.

On February 3 and 4, several members of the AFLS team attended the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. alongside NFJP grantees from around the United States.

Highlights from the conference included NFJP senior staff training and presentations from United States Department of Labor (USDOL) covering Employment & Training Administration priorities, policy changes and reporting system updates.

The whole team took advantage of the opportunity to network with and learn from other NFJP grantees, engage in technical conversations with USDOL to improve program implementation, and collaborate with the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs leadership to better contribute to program advocacy efforts.

The NFJP Outreach and Enrollment Coordinators and Business and Community Liaisons continue to strengthen partnerships across Michigan by actively engaging with Migrant Resource Councils and collaborating with state agencies to support MSFWs. Their participation in regional networks is helping build stronger connections with service providers and expanding opportunities for outreach and referrals.

During a January 22 Migrant Resource Council meeting, the Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator Abigail Frost and Business and Community Liaison Diana Hernandez-Garcia provided program updates on career and housing services, and refreshed contact information to support ongoing coordination. The team also joined the Northwest Migrant Resource Council meeting virtually, offering a program overview and increasing awareness of NFJP services throughout the region.

In another effort to connect directly with workers, Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator Jesus Ruiz Santos participated in a Laundry Event in Hartford, organized by MDHHS Migrant Services. The event, which offered free laundry services to MSFWs, provided an opportunity for Jesus to share program information with attendees, including eligibility details, training options and supportive services. Participants received promotional materials and were encouraged to pass the information along to others who may benefit.

The Hartford event also helped deepen collaboration with MDHHS Migrant Services, whose staff expressed interest in coordinating joint outreach efforts during the upcoming peak agricultural season. These growing partnerships both through Migrant Resource Council involvement and interagency collaboration will enhance NFJP visibility, improve access for eligible individuals, and strengthen the network of support available to migrant and seasonal farmworkers across Michigan.

Michigan is hiring! Thousands of positions are available statewide across a wide range of industries. Whether you're looking to start a new career or take the next step, there are full-time jobs with benefits waiting, especially in the Food and Agricultural Industry and the Agri-business sector.

Explore your options on the Pure Michigan Talent Connect website (MiTalent.org) or click here to view a list of more agricultural industry related jobs.

View a list of agricultural jobs.

At a recent Region 5 State Monitor Advocate meeting, the USDOL Wage and Hour Division discussed helpful updates on recent and anticipated changes within their department, particularly regarding enforcement efforts impacting both H-2A and non–H-2A workers. The information provided was informative and will aid the State Monitor Advocates and their staff when conducting field visits.

In addition, the group discussed the Agricultural Outreach Plan, including how each state is approaching its implementation and the role states play in supporting compliance, outreach and worker protections. The conversation offered valuable perspective on the varying strategies and responsibilities across states. An Agricultural Outreach Plan is a mandatory four-year state strategy, part of the WIOA Unified Combined State Plan, that ensures MSFWs receive employment services, training and assistance at the same level or higher than non-MSFWs. It involves assessing local needs, conducting and documenting outreach activities (e.g., visiting farms, community meetings), and ensuring sufficient staffing.

The Agricultural Recruitment System was also identified as a key area of focus. Given the regulatory changes that are beginning to take shape, we plan to explore this topic in greater depth in the coming weeks to better understand its implications and ensure we are well prepared moving forward.

For more information, please visit the State Monitor Advocate page.

Celebrating the legacy of service: Jose Barco

It is with both gratitude and heartfelt emotion that the Agricultural Employment Services team shares the retirement news of our former Agricultural Employment Liaison Jose Barco.

Jose is an exceptional individual whose career reflects unwavering dedication to serving the MSFW community. Before joining the Agricultural Employment Services team, Jose devoted many years of service to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where he built a strong foundation of advocacy and community support. Throughout his professional journey, he achieved numerous milestones centered on improving the well-being of MSFWs and their families across the state.

During his time with the State of Michigan, Jose exemplified compassion, professionalism and integrity. His deep understanding of the unique needs of agricultural workers, combined with his commitment to meaningful outreach and engagement, made a lasting impact on both the communities he served and the colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Jose, thank you for your steadfast dedication to supporting MSFWs and their families. We wish you and your family continued happiness, good health and fulfillment in this new chapter of retirement.

Staff Spotlight: Hugo Pantoja – Coordinated Services Representative

Hugo Pantoja has spent his career supporting MSFWs through advocacy, outreach and worker protection. He has worked with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for more than six years, and for the past nine months has served as the state’s Employment Complaint Coordinator.

Hugo brings both experience and strong academic preparation to the role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management, an MBA, and is completing a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and Development.

As Employment Complaint Coordinator, Hugo oversees the complaint process from intake through resolution. He manages the state’s centralized complaint log, monitors case progress, ensures proper documentation, and assigns cases to trained staff. He also works to make the complaint process clear and accessible, supports timely investigations and leads informal resolution efforts. In addition, he ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and provides guidance and training to staff involved in the process.

Hugo’s experience, leadership and dedication to worker advocacy continue to strengthen Michigan’s employment complaint system and support fair treatment for all.

AFLS has partnered with the Southwest Michigan Migrant Resource Council to host the 2026 Agricultural Employers Conference. This year’s conference will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Van Buren Conference Center with a virtual option available.

Members of Agriculture and Foreign Labor Services are proudly serving on the planning committee in collaboration with Southwest Michigan Migrant Resource Council and other community partners to ensure this event delivers relevant, practical information tailored specifically to agricultural employers.

Please reach out to Maribel Valle at vallem@michigan.gov or Tonda Boothby at tondaboothby@gmail.com for registration details.