The Multicultural Workforce Overview

The U.S. Census predicts that by the year 2050, 50% of all Americans will be from other ethnicities. This is the biggest population shift since the turn of the 20th century. These new Americans have different backgrounds, needs, and expectations.

On today's farms, when a multicultural workforce is discussed, it is generally referring to workers of a Hispanic or Latino background. Although many other ethnic groups are employed on farms, the majority of information available focuses on the Hispanic worker.

Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and the Required Managerial Tools
HR 022, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hr022. from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL., provides a general overview. Published July 2002.

The Vermont Migrant Education Program (VMEP) provides educational support services to children (age 21 and under) of families that relocate in order to obtain seasonal or temporary employment in agriculture.These free services can include free books, tutoring, homework support, English as a second language support, summer programs, and referrals to local resources. http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmext/mep