Narrative: e. 1.

Assessment of Needs The agricultural industry is characterized by a large workforce with numerous job openings, chronic unemployment and underemployment due to the cyclical nature of the work, and below average pay. Migrants and seasonal farmworkers, whose livelihood is primarily derived from agricultural employment, not only experience the chronic unemployment or underemployment inherent in the industry, but also face additional, significant barriers to employment. These include low levels of education, limited English proficiency, inferior housing, and few assets to sustain them through a period of retraining. In addition, farmworkers also experience geographical isolation and many lack transportation. Public transportation is rarely available to where they live, and therefore, they are dependent upon their employer or friends for rides, making it difficult for them to make and keep appointments for employment, health, training, or other services. Despite the above general characteristics of MSFWs, exact figures on the number of MSFWs in Louisiana are limited and contradictory. How the LWC intends to remedy the situation will be discussed further in this report.