The AgriProspects Workforce Development Network, a national program of the Extension Foundation, is pleased to announce the awarding of an additional $1 million for the second round of AgriProspects grants made possible by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, project award no. 2023-67037-40533, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The second round of grants sought proposals that 1) addressed needs with respect to digital credential infrastructure development for workforce success within Extension, 2) addressed AI education and awareness needs within Extension and our served communities, or 3) pulled elements of both tracks together in unique and innovative ways, addressing pressing workforce, community, and Extension needs.

Five additional proposals were funded through the NECIW grant. The five proposals selected for funding are:

• Empowering Agricultural Workforce: Digital Badge Training in Food Safety, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies – Dr. Jose Brandao Delgado, Utah State University
• Strengthening the Agricultural Workforce: Adult Training in Sustainable Practices and Emerging Green Jobs – Jody Thompson, Kentucky State University
• Digital Crop Scouts: AI Crop Monitoring Workforce Development – Rachel Baschieri, Oregon State University
• Establishing the Nation’s First Digital Credential for AI Marketing Skills in Agriculture & Extension Across the Southern Region – Dr. James Barnes, Mississippi State University
• Empowering the Agricultural Workforce: Expanding Extension’s Capacity through AI training, Tools, and Credentials – Dr. Maria Gini, University of Minnesota

The five awardees join the five other Round 2 projects announced in January as well as the 11 Round 1 grants awarded in 2024, who are wrapping up their grants later this year. Altogether, the AgriProspects Grants program has invested $3 million in the Extension system for projects that will provide a variety of replicable, scalable models for other programs throughout the country.

“Through a fit-for-purpose plan of work and responsible management of taxpayer dollars we’ve been able to allocate additional funds towards work supporting both the agricultural sector and Extension” stated Dr. Jason Weigle, AgriProspects Program Manager and co-PD on the NIFA-AFRI NECIW grant.

“The 21 projects we’ve supported over the past two years are stellar examples of what Extension can do when given the opportunity. We’re pleased to be able to support these practitioners in addressing learner, earner, employer, and fellow practitioner needs across the country. We’re also excited to be releasing new tools over the next few months which will accelerate this work across the System and country, as well as announce a hold the date for our 2027 AgriProspects Summit!”

All awardees for Round 2 address a variety of needs and opportunities within workforce development. From expanding proven, successful programs to proposals integrating new and emerging tools and technologies; from primary production all the way to value added products, the proposals integrate new and emerging technologies and tools to develop skills, aptitudes, and competencies within the workforce with the support and input of industry and community partners.

AgriProspects is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)-National Extension Clearinghouse for Industry and the Workforce, project award no. 2023-67037-40533, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Awarded Project Summaries

Dr. Jose Brandao Delgado
Utah State University
Empowering Agricultural Workforce: Digital Badge Training in Food Safety, Innovation, and Emerging Technologies 

This project will expand access to practical, skills-based training for Utah’s agricultural and food workforce by developing a flexible, competency-based program focused on emerging technologies and modern food system practices. Delivered through Extension’s statewide network and in partnership with university and industry experts, the program combines online modules and hands-on workshops covering food safety, artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and blockchain traceability. It is designed for working adults—including producers, processors, entrepreneurs, and Extension educators—who often face barriers to traditional training due to cost, location, or connectivity. By providing industry-aligned content and stackable digital credentials, the project will help participants build job-ready skills, improve regulatory compliance, increase productivity and sustainability, and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of agricultural communities in Utah, with pilot expansion to Indiana to support broader replication.

Jody Thompson
Kentucky State University
Strengthening the Agricultural Workforce: Adult Training in Sustainable Practices and Emerging Green Jobs 

This project will address workforce shortages in Kentucky’s growing agriculture and green jobs sectors by creating a hands-on training program for adults seeking new or better employment opportunities. Led by Kentucky State University in partnership with Louisville Grows and with Dr. Suraj Upadhaya serving as Co-PD, the program will provide practical skills in urban forestry, landscape management, orchard management, sustainable agriculture, and land stewardship, along with essential workplace competencies and certifications. Designed for unemployed, underemployed, and career-transitioning adults, the training connects participants directly with local employers in landscaping, conservation, and municipal services. By building a skilled workforce to support urban greening, food production, and environmental resilience, the project will strengthen community health, expand economic opportunity, and offer a replicable model for Extension-led workforce development.

Rachel Baschieri
Oregon State University
Digital Crop Scouts: AI Crop Monitoring Workforce Development

This project will build the capacity of growers and Extension educators to use affordable, do-it-yourself artificial intelligence tools for early detection of crop stress in remote areas. Through the Digital Crop Scouts initiative, participants will learn to assemble and deploy low-cost, solar-powered camera networks and apply AI-based image analysis to monitor crops for signs of drought, pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies. The program combines hands-on, in-field workshops with virtual training, enabling users to customize and manage their own open-source systems while maintaining data ownership. By training growers and Extension faculty together, the project strengthens local support networks, accelerates adoption of practical AI solutions, and improves farm productivity and resilience through timely, data-informed decision-making.

Dr. James Barnes
Mississippi State University
Establishing the Nation’s First Digital Credential for AI Marketing Skills in Agriculture & Extension Across the Southern Region 

This project will expand access to AI-driven marketing training for agricultural entrepreneurs and Extension professionals by creating a stackable, nationally recognized credential pathway. In partnership with the Southern Rural Development Center’s Roseanne Scammahorn and Alabama A&M University’s Terence Norwood and building on Mississippi State University Extension’s proven Bricks-to-Clicks Marketing program, it introduces an introductory course on AI tools alongside existing digital marketing and outreach courses, delivered via Extension Foundation’s platform. Participants gain experience using ChatGPT and Canva AI to strengthen digital visibility, sales, and engagement. By embedding verified credentials and scaling delivery across the Southern Region through university partnerships, the project addresses market access gaps, standardizes competencies, and equips participants with practical, in-demand skills for success in an increasingly digital agricultural economy.

Dr. Maria Gini
University of Minnesota
Empowering the Agricultural Workforce: Expanding Extension’s Capacity through AI training, Tools, and Credentials 

This project will strengthen Extension’s ability to support farmers using emerging AI technologies by developing accessible training, credentials, and tools through the multi-university AI-LEAF initiative. In response to identified barriers such as limited AI knowledge, concerns about data privacy, and lack of training resources, the program will offer microcredentials in sustainable agriculture and AI, a professional development series, hands-on workshops, and updated digital tools like Cornell’s Climate Smart Farming platform. Designed primarily for Extension educators, the project equips participants with practical skills to interpret and apply AI-driven insights, support climate-smart and data-informed decision-making, and effectively teach these concepts to farmers. By building trusted capacity within Extension systems, the initiative aims to expand adoption of AI-enabled practices that improve agricultural resilience, productivity, and environmental outcomes.