Skill shortage alert in U.S. Agri-Food sector, study shows

Mar 28, 2024

By Farms.com

AgCareers.com's recent survey casts a spotlight on the skill gaps that challenge the U.S. agri-food industry's growth. The research underscores an urgent need for skills such as problem-solving, organization, and teamwork, pinpointing these as areas where current and aspiring employees fall short.

This gap is most pronounced among new graduates, with a mere 18% possessing the necessary work-ready skills upon entering the job market, a stark contrast to the 76% readiness rate of experienced professionals. This indicates a crucial area of focus for educational institutions and training programs aiming to prepare individuals for this dynamic sector.

The survey also dives into specific knowledge areas such as sustainability, data science, and food science, with agronomy and precision agriculture emerging as fields requiring immediate attention due to their significant knowledge gaps.

With these insights, AgCareers.com aims to foster a well-equipped workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the agriculture and food industries. The full survey report, available for free download, serves as a vital tool for educators, employers, and policy makers dedicated to closing these gaps and propelling the sector forward.

Video: The $1.7 Billion Network Behind Canada's Seed Retail Future

Canadian agriculture has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, and so has the business of bringing new crop varieties to farmers. But as public plant breeding faces new pressures, private investment grows and farmers demand more from their genetics, what will the next 50 years look like?

In this special Seed World Canada Retail Strategy Webinar, we celebrate SeCan's 50th anniversary by looking beyond its history to explore the future of Canadian seed retail, plant breeding and variety commercialization.

Join Seed World Canada Senior Editor Marc Zienkiewicz and five industry experts as they discuss how independent seed businesses are adapting to a changing marketplace, the importance of partnerships between breeders and retailers, and what it will take to keep innovative crop genetics flowing into Canadian farmers' fields.