Development and Distribution of Guidance for Model Youth Employment in Agriculture

Purpose
This project aims to develop an outreach and education strategy to distribute the first of its kind model youth employment position paper.  Collaborating with members of a national employer organization, this guidance was developed to address the safe employment of young workers.  It encompasses age-appropriate assignments, training needs for adolescent workers, ideal supervision, and mentoring by adult workers. The guidance can be used by any employer “as is” or as a template to be customized for their business.  The goal is to improve agricultural working conditions for youth by guiding supervisors responsible for job assignments.  If successful, young people will have greater opportunities for safe, positive work experiences, while employers augment their labor pool and strengthen local economies.   

Methods
During the annual meeting of an employer organization, members were recruited to develop this Position Paper.  Via teleconferences and email, the advisory group identified typical jobs of employed youth and drafted recommendations for best practices, reflecting conditions not covered by existing regulations.  Support and endorsement for the Position Paper from individual organizations will be solicited. Elements of a “tool kit” to assist with safe youth employment will also be developed.

Results
Dissemination will occur via web pages and announcements in relevant agricultural media outlets.  These efforts will provide an opportunity to interact with employer and supervisors of young workers, safety professionals, insurance providers, and farm organization representatives. Elements of the policy and results of the outreach and distribution process will be presented.