The Washington state Employment Security Department says its efforts to help agricultural employers find workers are getting results.


Through its WorkSource offices in 21 counties, the agency says it has provided more than 13,000 job referrals to growers so far this year, compared with some 10,000 a year ago.


Between the federal debate over foreign workers and freak weather systems that can wipe out crops, agricultural employers face a lot of uncertainty, says Karen Lee, commissioner for Employment Security. We dont want to add to that uncertainty. Instead, were trying harder than ever to provide reliable and steady service in meeting their work-force needs.


Lee says ESD has focused both on increasing the number of job orders that growers file with WorkSource and on recruiting a larger pool of experienced farm workers. As part of that effort, the department has opened temporary satellite offices near major farming areas, expanded hours of operation, and deployed more staff to farms and within the communities where workers gather.


Employment Security is working to establish a real presence in the ag community, says Mike Gempler, of the Washington Growers Association. Theyre working face-to-face with growers and know where the workers are on a daily basis to help facilitate the labor exchange. Its been a step forward in the right direction.


Employment Security also has tried alternative approaches to find workers, including combing the unemployment-insurance roles to find unemployed ag workers, recruiting non-traditional farm workers such as students and housewives, and referring welfare applicants who want to work.


Because hiring records can lag by months, accurate data on the number of people hired through Employment Securitys agricultural initiative arent available yet. Full results will be compiled the end of the agricultural season.


We know that farmers are too busy bringing in their crops right now to be bothered with our paperwork, says Larry Sanchez, area director for WorkSource Yakima. Our focus right now is on connecting growers with workers faster. Our results will be positive in the end.


John Verbugge, owner of Valley Fruit, in Wapato, recently partnered with the agency to conduct hiring events on school campuses to recruit teens for ag jobs.


Its agricultural initiative will run through December. Employers needing employment assistance should contact their local WorkSource center.