AgWorks – Center for Agricultural and Shale Law

From 2025 to 2027, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law will join Penn State Extension, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, to deliver the AgWorks program, a new initiative supporting farms and agricultural businesses. AgWorks is focused on strengthening the agricultural workforce by offering support to employers, expanding opportunities for workers, and enhancing employment conditions throughout the agricultural sector.

As part of the AgWorks program, the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law will provide legal consulting and present 20+ employment law programs.

This project is funded 100% with federal funds from a US Department of Labor grant totaling $1,325,699.00 and 0% ($0.00) non-federal funds. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s training and services, visit their website.

Register for the AgWorks Program

AgWorks will provide 100 registered small- to medium-sized Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses with no-cost training and consultation in the following areas to ensure business sustainability:

Hiring and Retention
Business Operations
Compensation and Benefits
Legal Counseling *
Health and Safety
PA CareerLink® services to help farms and Agribusinesses

To participate in the AgWorks program, complete the intake form, which includes a brief survey that will help us understand the challenges that businesses face.
For more information about the program, contact agworks@psu.edu.

Intake and Survey Link

Upcoming AgWorks Webinars from the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law

AgWorks #4. Staying Compliant with Anti-Discrimination Laws
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, noon–2:00 pm ET (REGISTER)

EEO, ADA, whistle blower protections, etc.
Enforcement entities and mechanisms

AgWorks #5. Wage and Hour Laws—Requirements & Exemptions
Wednesday, January 21, 2025, noon–2:00 pm ET (REGISTER)

Federal & PA wage and hour laws applicable to agricultural employers
“Agricultural work” under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Activities exempt from wage and hour laws

AgWorks #6. Wage and Hour Laws—Calculation & Enforcement
Tuesday, February 24, 2025, noon–2:00 pm ET (REGISTER)

How much agricultural employees must be paid under various settings and payment arrangements
How employers must determine hours worked
Potential consequences to employers for failing to abide by hour and wage requirements