Youth Farm Safety and Education Certification Program

The Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification Program (YFSEC) supports national efforts to deliver timely, pertinent, and appropriate training to youth seeking employment or already employed in agricultural production. The program has critical ties to the current regulations for youth employment in agriculture, especially the exemptions provided in 29 CFR Part 570, subpart E-1 for youth under the age of 16 employed in some agricultural occupations having obtained certification. Significant changes in agricultural production and in the agricultural workforce since this regulation took effect in the early 1970's have encouraged the USDA to consider training and certification innovations along with developing appropriate training and restrictions on youth employment in hazardous agricultural jobs. YFSEC's funding has appeared under the Smith-Lever 3 (d) line for Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification since 2001 and has awarded nearly $1.43 million in grants.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

More Information on Eligibility

Only Extension Directors and Administrators of 1862 Land-Grant Institutions and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions are eligible to apply for YFSEC funds. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.

Request for Application (RFA) | Apply: Electronic | Abstracts of Funded Projects