Members of Workforce with Limited English Proficiency Benefit from Access to Interpreters
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) data shows Minnesota’s agricultural production and processing industries generate over $106 billion annually in total economic impact and support 388,134 jobs. Minnesota’s farm to table supply chain transforms crops and livestock into food products for consumers. Limited English proficient (LEP) workers are found at many points along this chain, and require language support before, during and after their employment.
Our language services team works with three clients that represent different segments of the food supply chain: The Practical Farmers of Iowa, BIX Produce and Bimbo Bakeries.
The Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) supports current and future farmers with a network of resources and opportunities, all with the goal of building resilient farms and communities. Last summer our Spanish interpreters provided language support at some of PFI’s Field Days, and we look forward to partnering again at Field Days this summer and working at the PFI annual conference in January.
BIX Produce is a regional supplier of fresh produce for multiple segments of the food service industry. Our professional interpreters provide language support in 10 languages for larger BIX human resources events as well as interpreting for individuals and small groups during production training and meetings.
Bimbo Bakeries is the largest commercial baking company in the country. Our interpreters have provided language support in Amharic, Karen, Swahili, and Spanish at human resources events.
Minnesota’s food supply chain industry continues to engage with and employ LEP populations throughout the state. We look forward to our continued language services work with our valued clients, from farm to table.
