Over the course of the Administration, recruiting the next generation of agricultural leaders has been a key priority for USDA. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet some impressive young people who will lead this field in the 21st century.
In partnership with the World Food Prize, USDA created the Wallace-Carver Fellowship in 2011 to inspire the next generation of American scientific and humanitarian leaders. Named for Henry A. Wallace and George Washington Carver, two of the great American leaders in agricultural science and policy who made significant strides toward ending hunger, the Wallace-Carver Fellowship seeks to educate, inspire and train the next generation of agricultural leaders.
This year, 37 exceptional students were selected for the 2016 program. These students are stationed at USDA research centers and field offices across the country where they are analyzing policy, conducting groundbreaking research, and assisting in the management of USDA’s food, nutrition and rural development programs. Through their experiences in USDA offices, they are gaining critical skills that will help them become the most effective leaders of tomorrow.
As we look to the future, there are certainly a number of challenges that the next generation of agricultural leaders will face. Today in America, the average farmer is 58 years old. By 2050, the world needs to increase food production by 70% in order to meet the needs of our growing global population.
To meet the evolving needs of the future, there is an unprecedented demand for young talent in agriculture – on and off the farm. While farmers and ranchers are the foundation of agriculture, there’s also a critical need for specialized experts to develop new technology and the most sustainable management techniques. Every year, there are nearly 60,000 jobs available in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environmental fields – but only about 35,000 students are expected to graduate with degrees in these fields each year. Almost half of the job opportunities will be in management and business, and more than a quarter will be in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The USDA Wallace-Carver Fellows are stepping up to the plate to serve as the next generation of scientists, policymakers, engineers, and more. These students are eager to enter the field and will work to ensure agricultural sustainability and global food security through innovation and hard work. After having the opportunity to meet with them, I am confident that the future of agriculture is in good hands.
