Kutztown, Pa. — On May 14, the Rodale Institute was named the recipient of a $350,000 grant for the development of Pennsylvania's first program offering apprenticeships to Pennsylvanians who are interested in careers as organic compliance inspectors in agriculture.
The Rodale Institute is a prestigious agricultural research and education nonprofit based in Berks County that is dedicated to advancing regenerative organic agriculture.
The Institute plans to create an earn-as-you-learn registered apprenticeship program, training professionals to serve certified organic industry throughout the Commonwealth.
“Apprenticeship programs offer pathways to stable careers and family-sustaining wages without the crippling burden of debt. It’s also one of the best ways for employers to create customized education programs to ensure they have the talent pipeline they need to grow and be successful in a global economy,” Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker explained.
Currently, the USDA has ranked Pennsylvania third in the U.S. for organic commodity sales, which exceeded $60 billion in 2022 according to the Organic Trade Association.
“Getting organic products to the consumers who want them and will pay top dollar requires significant investment,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding commented. “That’s not just investing in the practices that earn products the USDA Certified Organic label, but in workers who have the skills and knowhow to achieve that high standard.”
The Rodale Institute’s registered apprenticeship program will be supported by Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office, which is responsible for guiding and promoting the expansion and compliance of all registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth.
“Consumer demand for organic products is growing exponentially and we have the opportunity to onshore production and ensure organic integrity throughout the production process, from farm to market,” said Rodale Institute CEO, Jeff Tkach. “The Organic Compliance Specialist Registered Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about organic agriculture to receive comprehensive training and hands-on experience, setting them on a path towards a rewarding career in this growing and evolving industry.”
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that on average, apprentices earn a starting wage of $80,000 per year after graduation and are on track to earn $300,000 more over their careers compared to workers who do not graduate from an apprenticeship program. For every dollar spent on apprenticeships, employers get an average of $1.47 back in increased productivity.
Apprenticeship programs have traditionally served the building trades, and efforts to continue growing opportunities in the trades remains a top priority.
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