CHICAGO, Ill. (WAND) - Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance are proactively addressing the future of agriculture with "A New and Future Workforce: An Agri-Food Summit."
This two-day event, taking place on September 26-27 in Chicago, will bring together industry and government leaders, educators, and students to explore innovative solutions for workforce development within the state's crucial agriculture and food production sector.
"Illinois is leading the way in the agri-food industry by nurturing a diverse and skilled workforce,” said Lt. Governor Stratton. "This summit is a critical investment in our future, ensuring that Illinois remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. As I often say, 'Ag connects us all,' and we're building a brighter future for generations to come."
The summit will emphasize the following themes:
- Engaging young individuals in rewarding careers within the agri-food industry.
- Cultivating partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders.
- Advocating for a more diverse and inclusive workplace environment.
Attendees will hear from several industry leaders including:
- Mark Beckmann, Microsoft
- Tami Craig Schilling, Bayer Crop Science
- Tom Welge, Gilster-Mary Lee Corp.
- Mark C. White, Ph.D., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
And a keynote address will be provided by Sanah Baig, Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, United States Department of Agriculture.
"This summit represents a pivotal moment for Illinois' agri-food sector. We're not just talking about the future – we're actively building it," said ILAFA Managing Director Tyler Strom. "It is a catalyst for collaboration and innovation. Together, we can position Illinois as a global workforce leader in food and agriculture for generations to come."
For more information about the summit and related initiatives, click here.
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