The first phase of a three-part comprehensive study entitled “The Changing Demographics and Experiences of Women in Agribusiness” released by HighQuest Partners reveals that 44% of the agribusiness workforce is made up of women, and that nearly half of the ag degree graduates are women at 47%.  Despite this rate, women account for 30% or less of commercially-focused positions such as procurement, production and risk management.  In positions such as marketing, human resources, and administration, women account for a majority 82%.  In small companies women account for 21% of executive level positions, and in large companies only 6%.  The study also reveals that less than 20% of agribusinesses have programs in place to recruit women and the recruitment programs in place focus on universities with agriculture or food-related studies programs.  The remaining two phases of the study representing interviewed participants from 142 companies will examine the attitudes and experiences of women in agribusiness as well as programs that are in place to recruit, retain and advance women in order to provide industry with recommendations for gender-inclusive programs. A Complete synopsis of the study will be presented October 22^nd-24^th at the Women in Agribusiness Summit at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, MN and is available for purchase online at http://goo.gl.byC79 or at the summit.

 

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