State plan looks to the future of agricultural jobs

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and the Department of Education (PDE) recently announced their agricultural education report for schools across the state.

The report is designed to address the nearly 75,000 job vacancies in the agriculture and food industries that are expected over the next 10 years.

Agriculture is a $135 billion industry, but it has an aging workforce. Job openings are expected in several areas including conservation and natural resources, forestry, animal health and veterinary services, landscaping, production agriculture, lumber and wood products, and food manufacturing.

“Farming isn’t the only agriculture-related career pathway,” Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said. “Other careers include engineering and design, law, finance, environmental planning, and sales – at its heart, agriculture education is STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education. Promoting agriculture education is an investment in the next generation of leaders of Pennsylvania’s top industry.”

Part of Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2018-19 budget is $50 million for STEM and computer science education.

Additionally, the state created a 15-member Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence that will operate under both the PDA and PDE. It will be tasked with assisting in the development of a statewide plan for agricultural education and the implementation of related programming with both departments.