An innovative initiative is underway in Vermont, spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Operation Recovery together with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants; the dairy farm families of Agri-Mark; Cabot Creamery Cooperative; and Liberty Hill Farm. The Grow America Farm Corps initiative addresses Vermont’s farm labor shortages by fostering dynamic collaboration among local farmers, new Americans, and supporting partners.
Farmers with employment opportunities can sign up to match with new Americans seeking agricultural training and mentorship. Grow America Farm Corps partners assist in placing and transitioning participants who gain housing through on-farm living spaces, professional skills development, and community. Participants can also access job placement assistance in agricultural manufacturing.
Between January 2012 and October 2023, nearly half of Vermont’s dairy farms closed their doors, according to a recent University of Vermont Extension report. State and national agricultural trends including an aging farmer population, increasing non-farmland pressure, and production capacity challenges face Vermont’s current and future farming generations.
Through this unique new collaboration, partner organizations, agencies, and community leaders aim to combine on-ground wisdom with online resources to enhance job accessibility and prioritize housing support within the state.