1. Title: Vision for Illinois Agriculture Implementation Team Update Presented by: Gary L. Minish, Dean College of Agricultural Sciences Southern Illinois University Carbondale Presented to: Illinois Agriculture Legislative Roundtable June 25, 2008 Vision for Illinois Agriculture Planning Committee

2.  Vision  Goals  Strategic Theme [Number 1] A.Strategy A 1.Tactic 1 2.Tactic 2 B.Strategy B 1.Tactic 1 2.Tactic 2  Summary Outline

3. To be a global leader of profitable food and agricultural production Vision

4. 1.Grow Agricultural production and exports to the top three ranking in U.S. through the growth of both commodity and added value production. 2.Enable food manufacturing growth to a top three ranking in the U.S. 3.Lead the United States as the alternative bio-based fuel leader through adoption of new technologies. Goals

5. Attract, educate, and retain the necessary human capital to support the initiatives aimed at growing the agriculture and food industries in Illinois. Strategic Theme [Number 1]

6. Develop a collaborative statewide partnership to provide the education and workforce development in the food and agriculture segment. Strategic Theme [Number 1]: Strategy A

7. Tactic 1: Study and recommend key areas of substantial workforce skills deficit that inhibits the development and mastery of essential growth strategies of existing and new programs.  Identify the partners.  Gather and review current base information.  Survey universities, community colleges, alumni, and private, industry and government employers. Strategic Theme [Number 1]: Strategy A

8. Tactic 2: Encourage expanded leadership programs such as the Illinois Leadership Program and the Ag Leaders of Tomorrow and develop new leadership programs.  Inventory all programs.  Support those already in existence.  Strengthen leadership programs at two and four year colleges and universities.  Create an Illinois Agriculture Leadership Program. Strategic Theme [Number 1]: Strategy A

9. Strategic Theme [Number 1]: Strategy B Define and deliver effective methods to attract and retain a larger share of highly qualified talent into the state’s food and agriculture sector.

10. Tactic 1: Conduct an analysis to better understand key factors in attracting and retaining talent in food and agriculture careers in Illinois and to position Illinois as a destination for top talent.  Identify broad career opportunities.  Craft a recruiting and retention plan.  Evaluate pay, benefits, and quality of life factors.  Market career and living opportunities in Illinois. Strategic Theme [Number 1]: Strategy B

11. Tactic 2: Develop a public and private partnership to broaden and promote the image of the food and agriculture sectors and career opportunities in Illinois.  Develop a comprehensive marketing plan.  Create a “brand” awareness.  Present a unified message.  Promote the integration of science and technology. Strategic Theme [Number 1]: Strategy B

12.  Attract, train and retain the critical human capital for Illinois to be a global leader of profitable food and agricultural production.  Illinois agriculture is more dependent than ever on the knowledge and skills of its workforce in this skills intensive industry and information based economy. Summary

13. Attract, train, and retrain the necessary human capital to support the initiatives aimed at growing the agriculture and food industries in Illinois

14. Template  Example