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!