AgrowKnowledge
Strategic Plan

The Future of Agriculture

Agriculture’s future is and will continue to be shaped be technology. One challenge will be in preparing a workforce with the fundamental science, mathematics, and technical skills needed to use emerging technologies. Another will be in the education of a non-agricultural society about the safety and benefits that technology will bring to food and fiber products. AgrowKnowledge will face these challenges by forming partnerships between industry and education in agriculture food, and natural resources and through continued commitment to the development and enhancement of agricultural education.

Vision

Educate and prepare workforce-ready graduates to utilize emerging technologies for businesses and industries in agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR).

Mission

Build and maintain self-sustaining partnerships among business and industry and multi-levels of education to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in technology, mathematics, and science. This will prepare them to meet current business needs and equip them to respond to the dynamic changes in the agriculture, food, and natural resources industry.

Beliefs

Agriculture, food, and natural resources technology education must be developed as a collaborative effort between business, industry, and education.
  • Business and industry hire graduates and understand current workforce needs and future business trends.
  • Therefore, it is important that education partners, representing secondary schools, community colleges, and universities, work with business and industry to ensure students are prepared for the world of work with the relevant knowledge and skills.

Key Strategies

The work of AgrowKnowledge is focused around three key strategies:
  • Strategy 1: Capacity Building

    Build capacity to support the AgrowKnowledge Mission through development of a seamless education system, national and local partnerships, sustainability, and improve student recruitment and retention.

  • Strategy 2: Curriculum Development

    Identify and/or build a curriculum framework that incorporated mathematics, science, and technology and supports the career cluster for AFNR and its seven pathways.

  • Strategy 3: Faculty Development

    Provide opportunities for educators to enhance knowledge and skills in emerging technologies.