The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program, also known as National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), is a critical workforce development initiative in the United States aimed at improving the economic stability and quality of life of agricultural workers.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the program provides job training, employment services, housing assistance, and supportive services to farmworkers and their families.
Migrant and seasonal farmworkers form the backbone of America’s agricultural industry. They labor in fields, orchards, and farms, often under harsh conditions and for low wages.
These workers face unique challenges, unstable employment, poverty, language barriers, and limited access to healthcare and education. The NFJP was created to address these inequalities by offering a pathway to better employment opportunities, higher wages, and long-term economic mobility.
For many farmworkers, this program is more than just a job resource—it’s a bridge to education, stability, and dignity. Whether someone is looking to move from seasonal fieldwork into a year-round position or start a new career entirely, the NFJP offers training and services tailored to their needs.
What Is the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program?
The NFJP supports eligible farmworkers by offering employment and training services as well as related assistance, including housing and supportive care. It is delivered through a network of national and regional non-profit organizations that work directly with the farmworker population.
The program’s primary objectives are:
- Help farmworkers acquire new skills
- Connect them to stable employment
- Assist with basic needs like housing, transportation, and childcare
- Support transition from seasonal work to year-round jobs
In short, the NFJP invests in people who feed the nation, giving them the tools to build stronger, more secure futures.
Key Subtopics
1. Who Are Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers?
- Migrant Farmworkers: Individuals who travel from place to place to perform seasonal farm work and establish temporary residences.
- Seasonal Farmworkers: Those who engage in agricultural labor on a seasonal basis but do not migrate for work.
These workers often face:
- Low wages
- Unsafe working conditions
- Lack of health insurance
- Limited educational attainment
- Poor or unstable housing
Most come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and many are immigrants or individuals with limited English proficiency.
2. Core Services Provided by NFJP
A. Employment & Training Services:
- Job readiness workshops
- English language classes
- GED preparation and adult education
- Occupational skills training
- On-the-job training (OJT)
- Job placement in non-seasonal, higher-paying roles
B. Related Assistance:
- Emergency and permanent housing support
- Transportation vouchers or assistance
- Health and nutrition referrals
- Childcare assistance
- Work-related tools, uniforms, and supplies
These services help workers become more competitive in the labor market while addressing immediate barriers to employment.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the program, individuals must:
- Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Primarily earn income from agricultural labor
- Meet low-income guidelines
- Be classified as a migrant or seasonal farmworker, or be a dependent of one
Eligibility must be verified through documentation such as pay stubs, employer letters, or self-attestation forms reviewed by NFJP grantee organizations.
4. Role of Grantee Organizations
The NFJP is delivered through non-profit organizations and community-based agencies that specialize in workforce development and outreach. These groups act as intermediaries between the federal program and local farmworker communities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting outreach to isolated farmworker populations
- Assessing individual needs and eligibility
- Delivering training programs and workshops
- Partnering with employers for job placements
These grantees are embedded within rural and agricultural communities, often operating in areas where public resources are scarce.
5. Economic and Social Impact
The NFJP has significant positive effects on:
- Income growth: Participants often find better-paying, more stable jobs.
- Workforce mobility: Skills training opens doors to industries like manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare.
- Family well-being: With support for housing and childcare, entire households benefit.
- Community health: Economic stability reduces dependence on emergency services and improves mental and physical health outcomes.
By helping individuals exit a cycle of low-wage, seasonal labor, the program contributes to stronger rural economies and more resilient agricultural communities.
