By Blake Jackson
The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a national initiative of the Extension Foundation, has announced an additional $1 million in funding for the second round of AgriProspects grants.
The funding is supported through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce (NECIW), under project award no. 2023-67037-40533 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
The latest grant cycle focused on projects that strengthen digital credential infrastructure for workforce development, expand artificial intelligence (AI) education and awareness within Extension and local communities, or combine both priorities through innovative approaches that address workforce and community needs.
The five newly funded awardees are:
- Dr. Jose Brandao Delgado, Utah State University – Empowering Agricultural Workforce: Digital Badge Training in Food Safety, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies
- Jody Thompson, Kentucky State University – Strengthening the Agricultural Workforce: Adult Training in Sustainable Practices and Emerging Green Jobs
- Rachel Baschieri, Oregon State University – Digital Crop Scouts: AI Crop Monitoring Workforce Development
- Dr. James Barnes, Mississippi State University – Establishing the Nation’s First Digital Credential for AI Marketing Skills in Agriculture & Extension Across the Southern Region
- Dr. Maria Gini, University of Minnesota – Empowering the Agricultural Workforce: Expanding Extension’s Capacity through AI Training, Tools, and Credentials
These recipients join five other Round 2 projects announced earlier this year and 11 Round 1 projects awarded in 2024. Together, the program has invested $3 million in Extension initiatives designed to create scalable and adaptable workforce development models nationwide.
“Through a fit-for-purpose plan of work and responsible management of taxpayer dollars we’ve been able to allocate additional funds towards work supporting both the agricultural sector and Extension” stated Dr. Jason Weigle, AgriProspects Program Manager and co-PD on the NIFA-AFRI NECIW grant.
“The 21 projects we’ve supported over the past two years are stellar examples of what Extension can do when given the opportunity. We’re pleased to be able to support these practitioners in addressing learner, earner, employer, and fellow practitioner needs across the country. We’re also excited to be releasing new tools over the next few months which will accelerate this work across the System and country, as well as announce a hold the date for our 2027 AgriProspects Summit!”
The funded projects span topics ranging from sustainable agriculture and food safety to AI-powered technologies and digital credentials, helping equip the agricultural workforce with practical skills needed to meet future industry demands.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-scharfsinn86
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education