JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — LERGP will host an H-2A labor workshop at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab, 6592 West Main Rd. Portland NY 14769. Those interested in learning more about Ag-business labor challenges can attend the event at 9:00 a.m. on July 11th. The workshop provides an opportunity to share information on the H-2A program as the regional agricultural economy experiences challenges with labor supply and labor costs.
Ag service providers will be on-hand to share their expertise and services in the H-2A world. Growers looking to use this program for the winter of 2023 will need to start their application process now. When getting started, most growers seek out assistance to apply for, recruit or even manage and house H-2A labor.
As part of the event growers will share their experiences in transitioning to H-2A. Key to the success of the transition is changing management practices, recruiting labor and managing new recruits. The event will also focus on the challenges of an inexperienced workforce and techniques to control the costs associated with training and education.
The event will also provide an update on the current regional labor situation. The data that supports the forecast of future labor costs in the region as well as methods of sustainable agriculture that address the labor challenges without H-2A.
This is a FREE Event but please register so we know how many will be in attendance. To register please visit: https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/events.php.
The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua . Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
–Kevin Martin
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County
Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
