News
Program pairs unemployed veterans with farms needing labor during COVID-19
A new program in Illinois is helping match furloughed or unemployed veterans with farms that have an immediate need for labor during COVID-19.
Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois Secretary Raghela Scavuzzo tells Brownfield the Farm Corps program is like classifieds on the internet.
“All the farm has to do is go to the farmer veteran webpage and register their job posting. Then, veterans can sign up to be notified through newsletter posting and can search the job postings as they become available on our website.”
Scavuzzo says it is a simple way to minimize the ag labor shortage and provide job opportunities for servicepeople.
As for the success of the new program, she says they aren’t sure what to expect.
“But, even if we can connect one farm with one serviceman or veteran, we’ll feel like we have accomplished something great.”
Farm Corps was initiated by the coalition, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois AgrAbility and US Representative Mike Bost. It is also supported by the Illinois Pork Producers, Illinois Specialty Growers Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Department of Employment Services and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
Arkansas and Mississippi also have similar programs.
Interview with Raghela Scavuzzo
