The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) is a federal workforce development program in the United States that helps migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families improve their skills, find stable jobs, and build better futures. It is funded and managed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Farm work is physically demanding and often seasonal, meaning workers may have to move frequently and struggle to find consistent, well-paying jobs. The NFJP was created to provide training, education, support services, and job placement to help farmworkers move toward long-term, stable employment—either in agriculture or in other industries.
What Is the NFJP?
The National Farmworker Jobs Program offers career training and support services to help farmworkers and their dependents gain new job skills, improve their language abilities, and access better opportunities. It also helps them transition out of poverty and become more economically self-sufficient.
The program has two main parts:
- Career Services and Training
- Skills training, certifications, apprenticeships, and job placement assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Temporary and permanent housing help, especially for migrant workers
The program operates through local organizations and nonprofits that work directly with farmworker communities in rural and agricultural areas across the U.S.
Why Is the NFJP Important?
Farmworkers play a critical role in America’s food supply chain. Yet many of them face poor working conditions, low pay, lack of benefits, and limited access to education. They often work in seasonal or temporary jobs, which makes it hard to maintain financial stability or pursue long-term careers.
The NFJP helps break this cycle by:
- Providing access to education and training
- Helping workers find higher-paying, year-round jobs
- Supporting farmworker youth with career planning and school completion
- Offering services in multiple languages to meet diverse needs
It’s not just about getting a job—it’s about building a better life for workers and their families.
Who Can Apply for NFJP?
The NFJP is designed for:
- Migrant farmworkers (who travel for seasonal agricultural jobs)
- Seasonal farmworkers (who do farm work during specific times of the year)
- Dependents of farmworkers (spouses, children, or family members)
To be eligible, an individual must:
- Have done qualifying farm work within the last 24 months
- Meet income requirements (usually at or below the poverty level)
- Be authorized to work in the U.S.
Applicants must provide proof of farm work, such as pay stubs, employer letters, or affidavits, as well as identification documents.
What Services Does NFJP Offer?
The NFJP provides a wide range of supportive services, tailored to the unique challenges farmworkers face. These include:
1. Job Training and Career Services
- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
- GED and high school completion
- Skills certification (HVAC, welding, healthcare, IT, etc.)
- Resume building and interview preparation
- Apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs
2. Job Placement and Career Counseling
- One-on-one career coaching
- Help finding year-round or higher-paying jobs
- Referrals to employers with good working conditions
3. Support Services
- Childcare assistance
- Transportation help
- Health service referrals
- Emergency support (food, clothing, utility payments)
4. Youth Services
- Mentoring for young adults (ages 14–24)
- Help staying in school or enrolling in college
- Internships and work experience programs
5. Housing Assistance
- Temporary shelters for migrant workers
- Help locating affordable, safe housing near job sites
- Assistance with rent, utilities, and housing repairs
Where Can You Access NFJP Services?
NFJP is available through a network of nonprofit organizations and local workforce boards across the country. These partners are often located near farms or in rural communities where farm work is common.
To apply or find help, individuals can:
- Visit their nearest American Job Center (also called One-Stop Centers)
- Contact a local NFJP grantee organization
- Go to www.dol.gov and search for NFJP service providers by state
Program staff members often speak multiple languages and understand the unique needs of the farmworker population.
