The Center for Land-Based Learning, a nonprofit organization leading in agricultural workforce development, recently unveiled a new training initiative designed to catalyze the promotion of Spanish-speaking farmworkers.

According to a Center for Land-Based Learning press release, the AgHiRE program is being designed with input from an advisory team of industry employers and partners with goals to equip high-capacity employees with the essential skills and training to advance their careers. The program will support farm owners grappling with the challenges of hiring and staff succession planning.

AgHiRE participants will be able to gain skills in areas such as leadership and communication, digital literacy, regulatory awareness and English. Applications for the program will open Sept.13 through Oct.14 and will be accepting employer-identified candidates who show leadership promise.

AgHiRE classes will be held from Dec. 4 to March 14, 2025, in Woodland, with no sessions from Dec. 14 to Jan. 2, 2025. The program will offer in-person classes on Wednesdays and Fridays and one Saturday session each month.

“We are committed to fostering innovation and leadership within the agricultural community,” stated the Apprenticeship Program Director at the Center for Land-Based Learning Marisa Alcorta. “This program represents a significant step forward in providing professional development opportunities for an essential and underserved segment of our workforce and it enhances the overall sustainability of businesses across the agricultural sector.”

Employers interested in learning more about AgHiRE or enrolling employees in the program can complete an application online at landbasedlearning.org/aghire or contact aghire@landbasedlearning.org