A new Illinois program aims to connect professionals in farming, food and environmental-related careers with youth in an attempt to grow a more diverse talent pipeline for the sector’s workforce.
Called AGNITOR, students across the state have the opportunity to connect with professionals from academia, businesses, foundations, government and nonprofits, including startups to Fortune 500 companies. The Illinois Agri-Food Alliance (ILAFA), in partnership with Pathful, developed AGNITOR to provide students with real-world professionals showcasing the breadth of agriculture-related jobs available.
“It is crucial that we cultivate a diverse and talented workforce to meet the needs of the growing and changing industry,” says Tyler Strom, ILAFA managing director, in an organization news release. “This platform will provide students the opportunity to authentically engage with professionals and explore the many career opportunities available to them.”
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In recent years, ILAFA established a cross-sector working group of industry, academic, community and government leaders to address systemic workforce issues across Illinois’ diverse agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR)-related sectors. Through collaboration, the group labored to better understand the workforce landscape and coordinate action. AGNITOR represents some of the group’s collaborative efforts to help address the reality that most of today’s students remain largely unaware of the diversity of careers and pathways available in AFNR-related careers, especially among urban, suburban and underrepresented minority Illinois communities. In addition to connecting students with professionals, AGNITOR will also provide students with access to resources designed to help them explore career paths and prepare for success.
“From interactive lessons and hands-on activities to career exploration tools and networking opportunities, AGNITOR will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the world of AFNR,” says Shanell Rainey – Jacob, ILAFA careers coordinator, in the release.
ILAFA also partners with groups such as Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE), a state-funded program charged with improving education in and about agriculture and related ag industries for pre-kindergarten through adult levels.
“We are excited to bring this message to schools all around Illinois and showcase this industry has something to offer everyone,” says Dean Dittmar, coordinator of FCAE, in the ILAFA release.
Find more information about AGNITOR and how to get involved here.
ILAFA serves as an independent, multi-stakeholder collaborative network working to harness the strengths of Illinois’ food and agriculture sector. It strives to create the enabling environment to ensure Illinois’ food and agriculture sector continues to be a driver of the state’s economy while addressing important environmental and societal challenges. Illinois Farm Bureau is a founding member of ILAFA.
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