By Jon Gulliver
Staff writer
CARIBOU — Farm workers in northern Maine may be better trained in the near future thanks to some possible federal funds.
On Thursday the Northern Maine Development Commission board of directors approved an application to the USDA for an Agricultural Career and Employment Grant for up to $500,000. Workforce Development Director Ryan Pelletier did the groundwork to see if an ACE grant would be of benefit to farm owners and operators in Aroostook and Washington counties.
Conversations with potato growers and blueberry processors convinced Pelletier there was a need, especially in GPS technology, hazmat training and other areas. He also contacted Northern Maine and Washington County community colleges to see if they would be able to provide the training and both schools said “yes.”
The ACE grants program is intended to improve the supply of skilled agricultural workers and bring greater stability to the workforce in this sector.
Currently, $4 million in funding is available nationwide to the program. Pelletier said that isn’t a big pool to draw from, but the region does have something in its favor.
“I was looking to see who else applied and we are the only applicant from the Northeast,” he said.
Pelletier said he envisions a 200-hour course, but farm workers won’t necessarily have to take the entire curriculum.
“They may just take what they need, like the GPS technology part,” he said.
The final application was due on Nov. 15. If funding is awarded, the classes, which will be free of charge for qualified participants, can start anytime after the 2012 spring planting season.
