Study to Spotlight Ag Innovation Work Force

President Beth Bechdol says the grant will allow for a "robust" work force study.

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Indiana’s food and agriculture innovation initiative will use a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fund a work force study. AgriNovus says the assessment, set to begin early this year, will analyze the current and future talent needs of the state’s food and agricultural sector, which is valued at $16 billion.

Results from the study, being conducted in partnership with TEConomy Partners, are expected later in the year.

AgriNovus says the research will help it develop and launch strategic programs to make sure the industry can find the talent it needs to succeed in Indiana. The organization says, with the ag sector continuing to expand in areas including engineering and computer sciences, educating, recruiting, developing and retaining top talent is crucial to the industry’s future.

The organization was formed in 2013 with the goal of developing long-term strategies for the state’s $16 billion industry. Hoosier companies including Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences LLC, Elanco Animal Health in Hancock County, Terre Haute-based Clabber Girl Corp. and Beck’s Hybrids in Atlanta, Indiana are involved in the effort.