March is National Agribusiness Month, a chance to shine a light on the important role that Agribusiness plays in our economy and our overall quality of life. One in five people in Michigan work in the agribusiness industry in a variety of careers. According to Carol Distel, Agribusiness Talent Council Lead at West Michigan Works!, "When you think about agriculture most people think about farms, but agribusiness covers everything from the farm to your table. That includes farmers and growers, food processors, logistics and distribution to bring the food to your local store, school, or restaurants." Distel said Michigan agribusiness contributes more than $104 billion annually to our state's economy. She said Michigan farmers produce more than 300 commodities from pork to poultry, carrots to cabbage, hops, Christmas trees, annuals, and perennials.
Distel said there are careers in agribusiness for everyone from entry level to technical training or advanced degrees. Anyone interested in entry level or technical positions can learn more at an Ag-Jobs-4-All job fair taking place March 5 from 9-1 p.m. at the West Michigan Works! SE Service Center on 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE in Grand Rapids. This is an in-person job fair with employers who are looking to fill open positions.
Distel said that is one event West Michigan works! is hosting for Agribusiness Month. They are releasing a series of videos for middle school aged students to see the diverse range of careers in agribusiness when they are exploring careers in school.
"In elementary schools we have Spotlight on Ag Readers," said Distel, "where employers in the industry visit a classroom to read an age-appropriate agricultural book and employers share what they do in the industry. This is an opportunity to bring career awareness to student and show them opportunities they haven’t heard about."
For more information on hiring events across industries visit
https://www.westmiworks.org/job-seekers/job-search/weekly-hot-jobs/.
This story is sponsored by West Michigan Works!
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