The Irrigation Association and Irrigation Foundation announced they are merging to strengthen their commitment to the irrigation industry. The IA will continue the work Irrigation Foundation started and increase awareness of irrigation careers, target education resources, and provide the industry with skilled individuals.

For over 20 years, the Irrigation Foundation has directed workforce development programs aimed at promoting careers in irrigation. IA will continue to manage these programs and its workforce development committees:

Faculty academies - providing our teachers with tools to bring more irrigation content into the classroom

E3 program - developing students into our future workforce through exposure, education and experience

Scholarships - helping students pursue their studies in agriculture and landscape irrigation management

Excellence in Education Award - recognizing the best faculty with irrigation curricula

Irrigation Career Link - providing information to job seekers and a vehicle for job makers to reach their intended audiences

IA CEO Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE stated, "Bringing these initiatives within the IA ensures that continuous funding will be provided through membership dues and not be solely reliant on direct donations. The structure will remain in place for those organizations or individuals who must donate to a 501(c)3 charitable organization."

For more information on the IA's workforce development initiatives, contact Workforce Development Director Janine Sparrowgrove at (703) 536-7080 or janinesparrowgrove@irrigation.org.

For more information about Irrigation Association, visit https://www.irrigation.org/IA