The USDA awarded $50 million to help farms address labor shortages. The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program will assist 177 unique agricultural operations and over 11,000 workers. Grants as high as $1.7 million went to 141 businesses across 40 states and Puerto Rico.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the grants will help small- and mid-size farmers hire and retain workers they need to be competitive. The grants are part of a pilot effort to expand legal migratory pathways in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and other Northern Triangle countries.

Farms that received the grants must improve housing, create bonus programs and launch internal channels to resolve labor conflicts.

Read more on the USDA’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Program here.