A Workforce for the Future

A thriving agri-food sector in Illinois is contingent upon attracting and retaining a workforce prepared for the future.

Did you know Illinois’ agri-food sector is the top economic generator in the state and a significant contributor to workforce? Illinois jobs directly related to food and agriculture, including farming and ranching, manufacturing and wholesale and retail functions, total over 900,000, representing nearly 15 percent of all Illinois employment. These jobs represent $34 billion in wages and generate an economic output of $147 billion dollars. When you add in the many industry-related indirect jobs, there are over 1.4 million jobs representing 23% of Illinois’ workforce and contributing $267 billion to the economy.[1]

Illinois’ agri-food sector is facing a critical workforce and skills gap, however, that if left unaddressed will affect the sector’s long-term economic sustainability, societal vibrancy, and resiliency.

  • There is a shortfall in qualified, diverse professionals in food and agriculture, and businesses are reporting difficulty in attracting qualified and skilled workers[2]
  • Misperceptions and lack of knowledge exists regarding career paths in the industry
  • Primary K-12 institutions are under resourced to teach about and showcase food and agriculture job and career opportunities[3]
  • 2- and 4-Year academic institutions are struggling to attract agri-food students and provide students skillsets demanded by industry today
  • The agri-food sector lacks racial and gender diversity
  • Fewer and fewer people have direct ties to agriculture, meaning the traditional pool of recruits is dwindling
  • Today’s generations want to “work for a purpose” and seek out companies and organizations that align with their values
  • Competition for talent is fierce in urban and rural areas alike
  • There are limited workforce activities and initiatives in place that focus exclusively on the breadth of the agri-food sector.
  • Currently available data isn’t necessarily comprehensive of the sector, systems-based, timely, or focused on future needs.

[1] Feeding the Economy, https://feedingtheeconomy.com/
[2] USDA NIFA/Purdue, https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/
[3]  Illinois Agriculture Education Teaching Vacancies, https://www.ilaged.org/jobopenings

Creative solutions that target systemic issues and collaborative cross-sector engagement are needed.

A consortium of agri-food businesses, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and philanthropist are banding together to understand the future workforce landscape, assess areas for improvement, and advance opportunities that will position Illinois as a premier destination for attracting, training, and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce.

Illinois Agri-Food Workforce Initiative Collaborators:

                                                                           

Our AGNITOR Initiative

Explore the many exciting and fulfilling jobs across the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) ecosystem with AGNITOR, a new program helping match Illinois classrooms to a network of diverse professionals ready to bring real-world relevance and career exposure to students of all ages. From jobs in mechanics, marketing, finance, and law to food innovation, technology, cyber security and more, there are endless careers to explore in AFNR!

AGNITOR is a pioneering initiative designed to ignite passion and foster awareness among youth about the diverse, rewarding, and sustainable career opportunities across Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR). Created by a dynamic team of cross-sector partners in 2023, our program serves as a bridge, connecting teachers, after-school programs, and community-based organizations with Illinois’ vibrant agri-food ecosystem.

Our workforce collaborators are the driving force behind AGNITOR. Their invaluable support through expertise, donations, and partnerships elevates our reach, amplifies our impact, and accelerates our progress.

If you are interested in joining or supporting our initiatives, please contact info@ilagrifood.org.

On September 26-27, 2024, the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance (ILAFA) and the Office of Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton hosted the Illinois Agri-Food Workforce Summit to foster cross-sector collaboration aimed at strengthening Illinois’ future agri-food talent pipeline. With over 50 leaders representing 35 organizations across business, academia, government, and nonprofits, the Summit sparked vital conversations about:

  • Reshaping public perceptions of agri-food careers,
  • Strengthening education-industry alliances to meet evolving skill needs, &
  • Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce.

We’re excited to share the Summit’s Briefing Report, which captures collective insights and a shared vision for The New and Future Workforce. Using a strategic framework, the report highlights shared priorities and real opportunities to move Illinois forward.  Post-summit conversations have already begun transforming these ideas into action, with working groups forming to tackle key areas of focus.We thank all those that have contributed to this effort and are excited for the work ahead. Together, we’re paving the way for a skilled, diverse, and equitable agri-food workforce in Illinois!