Ag Group Looks to Harvest High-Tech Future
President Beth Bechdol says the grant will allow for a "robust" work force study.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana’s ag innovation initiative is hoping to build off the momentum of last week’s Agbiosciences Innovation Summit and keep innovators invested and engaged in the state’s $16 billion industry. Agrinovus President Beth Bechdol says the organization will form a board of directors and multiple innovation councils next year to plan and implement growth strategies. She says the councils will drill down on four specific sectors of innovation that are crucial to the industry’s future.
Bechdol says the councils will serve as "technical advisory committees" in the areas of plant sciences, animal health, human food and nutrition and high-tech agriculture. They will be comprised of education, trade and private industry professionals and entrepreneurs in each sector.
Agrinovus says the industry employs nearly 70,000 Hoosiers and boasts wages that are more than 30 percent higher than the state average. The organization was formed one year ago to fuel collaboration and innovation in agbiosciences and help spark the creation of new companies.
During a recent interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Ted McKinney said the diverse nature of the agbiosciences industry holds enormous potential throughout the state. He says the sector is "much more" than corn, soy, pork and poultry that are often associated with the state.
Agrinovus President Beth Bechdol says attracting ag talent will also be a major future focus.