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29 Ag & Food CAreer guide
heightened interest arises after quite
literally generations of disconnect
from the farm and food business, more
consumers make grocery store decisions
based on the picture of farming and food
that is painted for them by misinformed
special interest groups.”
Misconceptions about food and
farming can be dangerous, as they
spread quickly and threaten the
reputation and well-being of the
agricultural industry. Negative opinions
and false information can lead to both
legal and economic issues.
Furthermore, agriculture being cast in
a negative light can be attributed to the
very real agricultural labor shortage.
A 2016 study by Purdue University found
that in that year alone, “an average of
35,400 new U.S. graduates with
expertise in food, agriculture, renewable
natural resources, or the environment
are expected to fill 61% of the expected
57,900 average annual openings.”
“It is important that agricultural
professionals advocate for food and
agriculture because it’s not only where
we work, but it’s something we believe
in,” Pagett said. “If we are not telling
our story or advocating for ourselves,
someone else will—and unfortunately,
we might not like it. Advocating for food
and agriculture is crucial always, but
especially in a time when so much
misinformation is so readily spread in the
public square.”
APPROPRIATE APPROACHES
It’s easy to get worked up about negative
portrayals of agriculture, the industry we
know and love, but it’s harder to
effectively advocate for it. It might be
intimidating to speak up, or it may be
difficult to get involved without anger.
“No matter the form, the most
important step to advocating for food
and agriculture is to engage in a dialogue
with others, even if they might disagree
with us,” Pagett said. “When we engage
with others and have conversations,
rather than arguments, with them, we
become more credible and we create an
opportunity to educate someone about
the world we believe in.”
If you find yourself in a conversation
with a misinformed consumer, first ask
them where they heard this information.
Next, listen to their perspective and
why they feel the way they do. It does
no good to rush into a rant about why
they are wrong. Typically, there is a very
emotional root to their opinion. Finally,
after you’ve listened to them and asked
questions, calmly and rationally share
your own perspective.
Again, listen, ask questions, then
share your perspective and expertise.
Pagett shared various examples for
advocating for agriculture outside of
conversations:
• Reading accurate agricultural books to
elementary school students
• Meeting with local groups about
agricultural jobs in the community
• Writing or tweeting to legislators to
inform them about an upcoming vote on
agricultural policy
• Participating in National FFA’s
#SpeakAg dialogue on social media
• Participating in #AgChat discussions
on Twitter
• Speaking to clubs and organizations in
your area about your agricultural career
or the industry
“These conversations help us bridge
the gap between producer and consumer,
and as a result creates a healthier
discussion across the nation and our
world,” Pagett said.
No matter how you “agvocate,”
sharing your passion for our industry can
make lasting impacts for our future.
One of our core values at
is “bleed green.” We are passionate and
committed to what we do: agriculture.
Part of that includes promoting
excellent careers in agriculture. Share
these resources with your peers in order
to create a positive and motivational
dialogue around agricultural careers.
AGCAREERS.COM CAREER PROFILES
& INFOGRAPHICS:
The AgCareers.com Career Profiles
were created in conjunction with FFA
as a resource to increase learning and
understanding around the great variety
of opportunities in agriculture and food.
Explore more than 250 different careers
organized by pathway. Our infographics
were modeled after our Career Profiles,
providing a more visual and shareable
form (great for sharing with youth).
CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE DIGITAL
E-BOOK: We created the Careers in
Agriculture digital e-book to promote
agricultural careers. This publication
features interviews with agricultural
professionals, industry leaders, and
agvocates concerning the various
challenges facing the agricultural
workforce. Find versions with or
without the Career Profiles included. AG
RESOURCES