Keystone Today

On August 30, Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) announced new funding that will be used to train apprentices through the Diversified Vegetable Pre-Apprenticeship and Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship Programs.

According to a release by Wolf’s office, the funding amounts to $293,070 and it will go towards assisting Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.

“Through this funding, Pasa will be able to provide training for diversified vegetable apprentices and pre-apprentices across Pennsylvania,” said Wolf. “The invaluable skillset these apprentices and pre-apprentices learn helps keep agriculture at the forefront of the commonwealth’s economy. My administration is pleased to continue to support these programs.”

A press conference was held on August 30 by the Departments of Community and Economic Development and Agriculture in Landisburg to announce the new funds. The funding will help Pasa partner with six farmer training programs in Pennsylvania to train five pre-apprentices for three years. Five registered apprentices will also be supported over three years.

“Pennsylvania has a strong workforce, and it is due, in part, to programs like this one,” said Gwen Ross, director of Workforce Development Initiatives at DCED. “Continuing to invest in programs that provide training and develop our workforce is a key way to give Pennsylvania a competitive advantage.”

Pasa was created by farmers in Pennsylvania 30 years ago, and the program involves training for farmers, as well as conducting research, administering policy, educating and creating food programs.

“Pasa’s state-registered Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship programs are major milestones in ushering in the next generation of Pennsylvania’s farmers,” said Dan Dalton, assistant director of Farmer Training and Development at Pasa. “Diversified Vegetable Pre-Apprenticeship offers a first step to a career in agriculture. Graduates of the full apprenticeship will be able to clearly demonstrate their competencies, better positioning them for management-level positions and accessing capital and land opportunities.”

The funding is made possible through the Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Grant Program. During Wolf’s time in office, 82 pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs have been supported and $12 million has been invested. The Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship was the first in the mid-Atlantic region, with the first being awarded in 2019.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Special Assistant Sara Gligora said that consumer demand for locally grown food is growing and growing quickly. She said to meet this demand they need skilled workers, which this program will help with.

“These apprenticeships are a solid investment in attracting good students and paying them while they learn the skills agriculture needs to keep feeding demand and feeding the world,” Gligora said.