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CAMW! | Carrie Rosingana - Agriculture Workforce

Michigan Business Beat
July 16, 2021 9:00 AM

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Chris Holman speaks with Carrie Rosingana, CEO, CAMW! Lansing, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties of Mid-Michigan, about the Agriculture Workforce.

To hear Carrie and Chris discuss this topic, click play on the podcast interview below! 


QUESTION: What impact does agriculture have on our region?
ANSWER: Just miles east from the urban hub of downtown Lansing, we have Michigan State University — one of the most prominent agriculture universities in the country — and a thriving agricultural community just to the north of us — Clinton County. Agriculture does more than nourish communities; it drives innovation and development and employs thousands of individuals in our region. Further, the industry is expected to grow by about 2% in the next decade (Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives). On a statewide level, Michigan agriculture contributes more than $104.7 billion annually to our state’s economy, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. In addition, approximately 17% of our state’s employment is in Michigan’s food and agriculture system. Agriculture and the work of farmers are integral to our region’s community and economy. 

QUESTION: What does today’s agriculture workforce look like?
ANSWER: While some people tend to picture agriculture as old-fashioned, today’s farmers no longer need to rely on applying fertilizer across their entire field manually. Instead, today’s agriculture uses sophisticated technologies, such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. Advancements in technology have significantly changed how agriculture functions — and with this, the needs in the agriculture workforce have shifted, too. Agriculture is not a stagnant industry. On the contrary, there are ample opportunities in our region. Agriculture and the use of our land can affect food quality and access for generations to come. And the process isn’t limited to fieldwork — the industry relies on engineers, inspectors, scientists, and technicians to maintain efficient operations and prosperous land. In addition, our agriculture workforce would not be the same without migrant and seasonal workers. Governor Whitmer has proclaimed July as Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Appreciation Month, providing the opportunity for Michiganders to support and appreciate this valuable workforce. Migrant and seasonal workers bring in $2.3 billion in farm gate revenue annually to the state. They play a vital role in the agriculture industry.

QUESTION: How does CAMW! assist agriculture employers?
ANSWER: At CAMW!, we’re committed to serving all employers in the tri-county region. We’re here to help agriculture employers recruit talent for high-wage, in-demand positions. As agriculture technologies continue to advance, employers may find that their staff needs additional training. We can help connect your business with training opportunities for your employees. Last year, CAMW! partnered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development to provide high school students with education on the agriculture industry in Michigan through the Michigan Food and Agriculture Virtual University. Our education and talent development network, T3: Teach. Talent. Thrive., has plans to continue this partnership with MDARD so local high school students can learn how agriculture positively impacts the citizens of Michigan and learn about different career opportunities in the industry.

Their discussion wraps up with a look at how there is a talent shortage in this and other sectors, coming out of COVID.

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  • Carrie Rosingana-1

Michigan Business Beat, hosted by Chris Holman, discusses economic development, new or unusual entrepreneurial initiatives, and successful business practices from different regions and industries around Michigan with a wide range of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

8:00 AM every Monday through Friday
Replay: 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 2:00 AM The music for 'Michigan Business Beat' is graciously shared use of Phil Denny's "Traffic Jam" off his 2012 CD 'Crossover'

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