GRANT FUNDING WILL ASSIST WITH EMPLOYEE HIRING AND TRAINING EFFORTS
St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded $250,000 to the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) to support the organization’s Southwest Minnesota Meat Processor Workforce Development Initiative.
Awarded through the MDA’s Meat Processing Train & Retain Grant program, the one-time funding will assist small- to mediumsized meat and poultry processors with hiring, training, and retention of new employees.
“Local meat processing facilities play a central role in sustaining Minnesota’s livestock industry as well as our rural economies and communities,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “The MDA is thankful to the SRDC for their efforts to grow and strengthen the meat processing workforce in southwest Minnesota, and we look forward to future opportunities to support similar efforts in all areas of the state.”
The Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) will partner with the Mid-MN Development Commission and the Upper MN Valley Regional Development Commission to tackle workforce development needs. This effort will draw on funds from the USDA Food Systems Grant and the EDA to support around 45 small- to medium-sized processors within the SRDC’s service area. CareerForce services will be provided through the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council and Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services. Additionally, Ridgewater College and the University of Minnesota will contribute to addressing challenges in the meat and poultry processing sector.
“The Southwest Regional Development Commission and its project partners are thrilled to launch this project, which has the potential to meet immediate workforce needs and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the vital food industry,” said SRDC Deputy Director Robin Weis. “The SRDC is eager to be part of this initiative, which aims to invest in 30 individuals by providing support for training gaps, both formal and on-the-job, offering unique retention strategies, and minimizing employment barriers.”
For more information about the Southwest Minnesota Meat Processor Workforce Development Initiative, contact Sophia Berg via phone 320-222-8276 or email sophiathommes@ridgewater.edu. You may find more information at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/ meat-processing-train-retain-grant
