Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development (CAWD) is pleased to announce the next session of the Ag Workforce Central Virtual Office Hour, our premier virtual series offering timely, expert-led discussions on issues impacting today’s agricultural workforce. Each session connects farm owners, managers, and employees with Cornell specialists and guest speakers for practical strategies, regulatory updates, and leadership insights that support stronger, more engaged farm teams.
The upcoming January 7, 2026 webinar will feature the debut of VIDA, a new life-skills program developed specifically for Hispanic farm employees and their families. Beginning mid-January 2025, VIDA will be offered entirely in Spanish through a partnership between CAWD, NYCAMH, NY FarmNet, and the Cornell Small Farms Program. This program is entirely free and will include access to monthly resources, a topical video recording, and a live video session which will take place the third Thursday of every month in 2026.
VIDA—meaning “life” in Spanish—provides employees with essential tools for long-term well-being, confidence, and stability. The program includes four core pillars:
- V – Valorar la salud (Value Wellness)
Led by NYCAMH, this module promotes physical and emotional well-being with guidance on health, stress management, dental care, nutrition, and preventive care. - I – Informar para crecer (Inform for Growth)
NY FarmNet equips employees with financial knowledge including banking basics, budgeting, safe credit use, and recognizing scams. - D – Desarrollar el futuro (Develop the Future)
In collaboration with the Cornell Small Farms Program, this section encourages long-term planning, saving, and exploring small-business opportunities in the U.S. or employees’ home countries. - A – Activar la confianza (Activate Confidence)
CAWD leads this segment focused on workplace communication, cultural navigation, and building confidence in conversations with supervisors.
This special Virtual Office Hour will offer an inside look at the program’s development, curriculum, and impact—and provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly to the teams behind VIDA.
Date: January 7
Time: 12-1 PM EST
Registration
Registration is required.
Register now to secure your spot and gain early insight into this groundbreaking new resource for New York’s farm community.
Questions? Email Mary Lewis at ml2656@cornell.edu
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