RMCEP’s AgPaths Initiative Strengthens Minnesota’s Agriculture Workforce

Rural Minnesota Concentration Employment Program (CEP) is proud to launch AgPaths, an initiative that will create agriculture-sector career pathways across the region. AgPaths is made possible through a $500,000 Growing Careers Grant, which is supported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The AgPaths program enables RMCEP to offer education, training, and work-based learning opportunities that lead to job placement in Minnesota’s agricultural sector. The end-goal for participants is further education or full-time, sustainable employment in an agricultural field.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s economy,” says Chrys Kirschbaum, Regional Coordinator at Rural Minnesota CEP. “But today’s agriculture sector is evolving, from changes to crop and livestock production to new equipment options, processing logistics, technology, and more. To meet these needs, the workforce must also change. It needs to become more diverse, more skilled, and ready for jobs that deliver family-sustaining wages.”

The AgPaths program responds to that call. It empowers RMCEP to partner with educational institutions, industry leaders, and community supporters to build careers for individuals who may face barriers to employment, while simultaneously strengthening the region’s agriculture talent pipeline.

Download the AgPaths Brochure to Learn More

Leadership Drives Workforce Innovation Across Multiple Programs

AgPaths is guided by the leadership of Stacy Belen, Lead Navigator, who also oversees Rural Minnesota CEP’s highly successful Drive for Five initiative, another regional workforce program designed to train, support, and place individuals into high-demand, family-sustaining careers. While Drive for Five focuses on key industry sectors such as manufacturing, caring professions, IT, transportation, and education, AgPaths extends that same strategic approach into Minnesota’s agriculture sector.

By leading both initiatives, Belen ensures strong alignment across programs, consistent navigation support for participants, and a unified approach to employer engagement, training partnerships, and barrier removal services. This dual oversight allows RMCEP to leverage proven best practices while tailoring services to the unique workforce needs of Minnesota’s agricultural economy.

AgPaths Supports Career Exploration and Development

The goal of AgPaths is to raise awareness about the need for agricultural workers while helping job seekers understand the diverse nature of the industry. The career exploration and navigation services are designed to help individuals discover opportunities across crop production, animal production, and agricultural support services.

The next step after career exploration is to learn about the skills and credentials needed to step into specific roles – and the paths individuals can take to achieve them. Rural Minnesota CEP works closely with agricultural industry employers and educational institutions to ensure the curricula and standards are relevant, modern, and prepare students for a smooth transition to employment.

Rural Minnesota CEP also collaborates with local partners to provide work-based learning experiences and internships in real-world agricultural operations, enabling participants to gain hands-on experience.

“Agriculture is more than planting and harvesting,” says Belen. “Today’s agriculture jobs span equipment mechanics, logistics, processing, animal health, agribusiness support, and more. “We want to show just how diverse agriculture jobs can be, while helping people travel their desired paths.”

When it’s time to step into the field, Rural Minnesota CEP can use AgPaths to provide wraparound supports that reduce barriers to work. This includes assistance in finding services like transportation or childcare.

AgPaths enables Rural Minnesota CEP to support individuals at any stage of their employment journey. From career exploration to training and onboarding, AgPaths can help you. 

Rural Minnesota CEP Has Strong Regional Partnerships

The AgPaths program is poised for success because of the network of committed partners developed by Rural Minnesota CEP across the region. Each partner offers valuable insights into the industry's needs and what is required to succeed in the field. A few of these regional partners include:

• North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS): Located in Wahpeton, this partner offers training and credential options in agriculture production and support services.
• SPROUT: This organization brings expertise on emerging farmer pathways and workforce readiness to the agriculture space.
• AgCentric: A program that bridges the gap between agricultural business operations and education in the region. 
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College: This partner provides higher-education training infrastructure and support.
• Central Lakes College (CLC): This community college serves as a key training provider in our region.
• Region 5 Development Commission: The economic development team supporting Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties.   
• Midas Trucking: This workforce partner also assists Rural Minnesota CEP in understanding agricultural logistics needs.

These aren’t all of Rural Minnesota CEP’s resource partners, as other companies, organizations, and schools work closely with the organization to provide career development support. The AgPaths program is also made possible by Rural Minnesota CEP’s eight office network across the region. Every career advisor or counselor helps residents explore their options and develop paths to achieve their goals. 

This is an Invaluable Program for Rural Minnesota

Investing in the agriculture workforce now can protect Minnesota farms in the years to come. When asked about their farm clients, 63% of agricultural bankers said finding labor is a serious challenge for the region. (Most remaining respondents said it was at least a minor challenge.) One issue with hiring relates to aging. The median age of agricultural workers jumped from 51 in 2012 to 56 in 2021. Farmers are preparing for retirement and need to pass their operations on to the next generation of workers.

The changing nature of farming also means that new roles are emerging. There is increased demand for technology experts, logistics specialists, and other professionals. Investing in the local workforce can help fill these gaps and enable Minnesota farmers to step into the modern era, maximizing their production. 

AgPaths can develop qualified candidates to support the local agriculture workforce while also helping individuals who previously struggled to enter the workforce. The program can help people find employment opportunities and find careers they can grow into for years to come. 

AgPaths Participants Can Meet With Rural Minnesota CEP Now

In the coming months, Rural Minnesota CEP will launch its intake and recruitment efforts for participants interested in agricultural careers. It will specifically reach out to rural communities seeking career development options and individuals facing barriers to the workforce, including those involved in the justice system. The goal of this program is to help people discover exciting agricultural careers while showcasing how modern crop and animal production extends beyond basic farming practices.  

“If you or someone you know is interested in exploring a career in agriculture, reach out to us directly and ask about AgPaths,” says Kirschbaum. “Rural Minnesota CEP will soon share registration details, but it’s never too early to start the conversation.”

This grant-supported program is entirely free for participants. Rural Minnesota CEP specifically encourages individuals who currently or have previously faced barriers to employment to consider it. Contact Stacy Belen, Lead Navigator for the program at stacyb@rmcep.com, or reach out to your nearest Rural Minnesota CEP office today to start the conversation.