The Agriculture and Natural Resources sector is one of CCW’s 10 high-demand sectors. For each of these high-demand sectors, a CCW Sector Leader develops and supports the implementation of a strategy to meet the workforce needs of employers in their sector through targeted expansion and development of career connected learning programs.

The CCW Sector Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources is the Agriculture & Natural Resource Center of Excellence. (Primary contact: Lindsey Williams, Director, lindsey.williams@wwcc.edu)

Employers in the Agriculture and Natural Resources sector share these themes related to workforce development:

  • Lack of Awareness Among Youth: There is a lack of awareness among youth about the breadth of living wage job opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, limiting their interest and engagement in these fields.
  • Critical Demand for Specific Roles: Employers emphasize the urgent need for positions such as farmworkers, agronomists, crop advisors, and truck drivers, foresters, and conservation technicians.
  • Career Advancement Opportunities: There are significant opportunities for career progression within agricultural roles, with employees often able to transition between departments, enhancing their skills and career prospects.
  • Educational and Skills Gaps: A significant barrier is the lack of individuals with the necessary education and experience in fields such as agronomy, horticulture, and plant and soil sciences, leading to a limited pool of qualified candidates.
  • Geographical and Housing Barriers: Recruitment efforts are hampered by limited access to affordable housing in rural areas and the remote locations of many agricultural and forestry operations, which deter potential candidates.

Employers in the Agriculture and Natural Resources sector indicate these occupations are high-priority for the expansion or development of education and training programs to meet their hiring needs:

  • Farm Worker
  • Agronomist/Field Consultant
  • Forester
  • Conservation Tech
  • Livestock Manager
  • Animal Nutrition Specialist

Interested in learning more about the career connected learning programs that can help meet these needs? You can see a brief overview here. Take a look at the full 2024 Agriculture and Natural Resources sector strategy for more detailed information and recommendations.

For more information, please reach out to the Sector Leader using the contact information above. You can also access the original 2023 Agriculture and Natural Resources sector strategy here, which provides more detailed data and information about the sector.