Highlighting the agriculture industry to bring attention to one of the state’s biggest employers. Today, state leaders, including Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and the DCED, came together to kick of the “Food that Fuels Pennsylvania Tour.”
“Focusing on agricultural manufacturing is something that we sometimes forget about and highlighting that and realizing they have workforce needs as well and challenges just like every other industry and promoting them,” said Representative Torren Ecker, (R) Adams County.
But like most industries, manpower shortages and supply chain issues are hampering the growth of many parts of agriculture. To dive into the issues and get some answers about what’s being done at the state level, CBS21’s Michael Gorsegner is talking with people at the highest levels.
“The employment issue has been one of our bigger challenges post pandemic,” said Larry Martin, CEO of Knouse Foods.
From applesauce to apple slices, Knouse Foods employs 1,100 people to manufacture and process 240 million pounds of apples a year. Right now, the company is short 60 workers and that’s an improvement from earlier this year.
“We seem to be seeing some progress with some people coming back to work but we are competing with every other industry. You can’t drive down that road or that road without seeing help wanted signs,” Martin said.
“So many industries are seeing a shortage of workers. They told me here they are about 60 short out of 1,100. What can the state do to help both through the labor market especially in the ag industry?” asked Gorsegner.
“As a Dept of Ag, making sure that we are connecting them to the local networks through our job centers and connecting them to the economic development community. Understanding a lot better what their needs are and of course longer-term strategies to build a career awareness and a pathway to get there. Every conversation begins and ends with labor today. Whatever we can do to raise the awareness, but also help to make the connection, is huge,” Secretary Redding said.
On top of increasing wages, Knouse is offering bonuses, while trying to provide a safe work environment. Finally, leaders have started an in-plant ambassador program to make new employees feel welcome.
Supply chain issues are also providing problems.
“The trucking industry, the tightness in that industry and now with the holidays coming and more demands on that industry, is a key issue for us,” said Martin.
On a normal day, 150 to 160 truck loads of apples enter the lot to off load and hit the processing plant. But lately, despite the help of a logistics company, getting those trucks in and out the door has been a struggle. Twenty to 30 trucks a day don’t show up and that means the end user is suffering.
“It’s an ongoing issue and I'm not sure if the logistics side of this challenge has been fully understood enough to be solved,” said Martin.
“Supply chain issues are another issue, especially in trucking. Can the state do anything? How do you work through some of these issues because it’s not just here, it’s nationwide?” asked Gorsegner.
“From a state standpoint, we can certainly engage in and try to help but again it’s about making those connections. We don’t control that piece necessarily but I think understanding the impact that it has on both workflow, productivity, labor force and potential investments especially transportation where investments are critical today,” said Secretary Redding.
Because apples and the associated products have a limited shelf life, transportation delays can be a major issue. Combine that with the fact that when stores and consumers see empty shelves, concerns grow, this affects so many facets of life. Many are hoping the federal government can step in to thwart this growing problem.