Rep. Delgado Announces $500,000 to Develop Upstate Agriculture Workforce Training Program

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) announced a $500,000 workforce training grant for the SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. The funding, allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, will help students work in collaboration with large, multi-location agricultural equipment dealerships in New York State to develop and deliver an agricultural power machinery workforce training program.

"With ongoing labor shortages across the country, it is critical that we invest in upstate New Yorkers and give them the tools they need to succeed," said Rep. Delgado. "This grant will develop a training program and provide community members and students with the skills and industry-accepted credentials necessary to gain full-time employment. I am proud to announce this funding and will keep pushing for programs and policies to grow New York's workforce. "

"As SUNY Cobleskill continues to reinforce our role as a public, regional rural serving institution, our initiatives find a solid alignment with the changing dynamics of our agricultural economy and its workforce needs," said SUNY Cobleskill President Dr. Marion Terenzio. "We are grateful to have partners in NIFA and Congressman Delgado supporting these initiatives as we build bridges that connect learners in our communities with the skilled jobs at home. Through these collaborations, new avenues are created for learners of all ages to markedly engage with the educational and employment options in our agriculture industries."

The training program will offer industry-recognized credentials and certificates in agriculture equipment focused on hydraulics, electrical systems, air conditioning, safety, diesel engines and transmissions. The training program will also provide stipends to students selected by dealerships for work-based learning experiences.

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