(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently announced more than $14 million in workforce training grants.

USDA NIFA has awarded $9.4 million in funding for 19 Agricultural Workforce Training grants, and 12 awards totaling $4.8 million for rural economic development projects. The grants are part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. The Agricultural Workforce training grants will provide community, technical or junior college students the skills and tools necessary to secure industry-accepted credentials to join the workforce.

NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille says, “These awards will help students earn a two-year degree or an industry-accepted credential that will create better job opportunities and fuel the talent pipeline needed in the food and agricultural sector.”

NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension across the nation to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges, and supports initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture.