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Media Alert:
Arkansas National Guard helps amplify farmers’ worker shortfall
~ Domestic workforce needed to help Ark. agriculture industry through COVID-19 crisis
WHO: Arkansas National Guard
WHAT: encourages unemployed students, unemployed National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, veterans, and anyone needing employment to assist Arkansas farmers
WHEN: Immediately. Duration of mission ranging from two to six months.
WHERE: Randolph, Clay, Lawrence, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Craighead, Mississippi, Poinsett, White, Woodruff, Cross, Crittenden, Pulaski, Lonoke, Prairie, Monroe, Lee, St. Francis, Jefferson, Arkansas, Phillips, Lincoln, Desha, Chicot, Drew, and Ashley counties - possible other locations statewide as necessary.
WHY: The COVID-19 pandemic is more than just a health-crisis. It is currently impacting Arkansas’ agricultural industry with critical manpower shortages due to the inability to hire migrant workers. Crops must be planted and without workers, a lack of food and other agricultural commodities will have significant negative impacts to food security and stability going forward.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the Arkansas Farm Bureau, and other state and federal agencies are requesting Arkansan’s help. This is a must-fill the void left by non-existent H2A (migrant) workers. Pay is up to $20 per hour based on experience, as well as possible housing and meals may be available.
Skills and abilities needed: ability to drive a tractor or sprayer, connect implements, load seed/chemicals (50-75 lb bags), basic mechanical skills, ability to move irrigation equipment, pruning, watering, possess a valid driver’s license, ability to work with animals, fence repair, brush clearing and other general day labor.
Videos about the program and additional information are available at:
https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmCorps/
https://www.twitter.com/corps_farm
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