Enhancing workforce solutions for Maine’s dairy farms
Posted on November 26, 2024 | News
Bangor Daily News
Eastern Maine Development Corporation and the Maine Dairy Industry Association have joined forces to support the vitality of Maine’s dairy industry. This partnership addresses key challenges facing dairy farms, providing resources and solutions that enhance farm operations, sustain local agriculture, and preserve the state’s rich dairy heritage. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and long-term sustainability, this initiative aims to strengthen the dairy industry as a cornerstone of Maine’s agricultural economy.
“While dairy farming is certainly not the perfect job for everyone, it can be a very rewarding experience full of opportunities for advancement,” said Annie Watson, head of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. “The Maine Dairy Industry Association is excited to be partnering with EMDC on the Dairy Workforce Program to help increase our industry’s pool of qualified farm workers by offering targeted training and opportunities for skills advancement. We are hopeful our farms and their valued employees will see the benefits of this program for many years to come.”
This partnership provides targeted resources, including workforce solutions, job training, and tools for career advancement in the dairy sector. “The Maine dairy industry is a vital sector of Maine agriculture, with many dairy producers struggling to keep the barn doors open,” said Ashley Marshall, dairy industry workforce specialist at EMDC. “One challenge dairy farms are facing is a lack of interested and qualified employees to help complete the many different tasks required on the operation. EMDC was happy to partner with MDIA to help address this critical need, as it is important to help these farms be successful and to continue producing the nutritious dairy products that are needed in the state. Everyone benefits when more of the food that we consume is produced locally.”
“Funding for this program is available because of Congressional Discretionary Spending support of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Sen. Angus King. Our partnership with the Maine Dairy Industry Association will directly impact Maine farms by increasing on-farm technical support and building the workforce while potentially increasing milk processing capacity in Maine,” said Lee Umphrey, president/CEO of EMDC.
Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, EMDC and MDIA are addressing the unique needs of dairy farms, helping to enhance operations, ensure sustainability, and foster growth within the industry. By empowering farms with the tools and resources needed to thrive, this initiative reinforces the importance of agriculture in Maine’s economy and secures its role in supporting local communities for generations to come.