CSREES Partners with Purdue
on Employment Study
Employment opportunities for U.S. college graduates with
expertise in the food, agricultural, and natural resources
system are expected to remain strong during the next five
years, according to “Employment
Opportunities for College Graduates in the U.S. Food, Agricultural,
and Natural Resources System,” the sixth five-year
employment opportunities projections study initiated by CSREES.
The latest study covers the years 2005 through 2010 and
is conducted as a result of Congressional action taken in
1977 when Congress designated the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) as the lead federal agency for higher education in
the food and agricultural sciences. The study identified
graduates with baccalaureate or higher degrees in agriculture,
natural resources, veterinary medicine, or closely allied
specializations. This study examines those graduates who
qualify for and generally enter scientific and professional
occupations.
Beginning in 1980 and continuing every five years, this
study has traditionally used the most recent annual Integrated
Postsecondary Education Data System surveys data to determine
the supply of graduates in agriculture, natural resources,
and veterinary sciences. The demand for employment is generated
using the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
projections.
This year’s study identifies 52,000 annual job openings
for new graduates during 2005-2010, and some 49,300 qualified
graduates available each year for these positions. Four major
factors will define the market for graduates in the next
five years: consumers and their preferences, evolving business
structure in the U.S. food system, new development in science
and technology, and public policy choices and food system
security. Management and business will yield the most opportunities.
Copies of the publication can be ordered online by visiting Purdue Extension's Education Store and searching for "Employment Opportunities Report".
Contact: Ella
Smith
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