The agriculture industry would probably agree that they are a noble profession. But many on the outside don’t see it that way, especially students getting ready to emerge from college and have started their job search. Yet according to Dr. Scott Vernon, a professor in the Agricultural Education and Communication Department at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, California, the image of agriculture held by outsiders must change if the shortage of skilled candidates is going to be reversed.

Dr. Vernon spoke at AgCareers.com Ag & Food HR Roundtable, the largest event to date. He is the founder of “I Love Farmers, They Feed My Soul” movement, whose mission is to bring agriculture to youth living in urban areas. The industry, says Vernon, needs to begin engaging kids when they are young and continue the outreach through middle school, high school and into college. Kids who participate in these types of programs when they are young get hooked on ag and head to college to study in areas that will allow them to have a challenging and fun career in the industry.

Dr. Vernon says we need to show students the diversity within the industry. “We need to help them understand how they can take their talent or skill or love and passion and find a place in agriculture that we can use that talent, love and passion.” He also notes that in college, he finds that students are coming into the industry via their love of food, environment and business.

He said that while ag is a global industry and very complex, when you get down to it, it’s a people business. It’s all about people and the things they value and the connection to family. Dr. Vernon said that from an HR perspective, they need to understand how to tap into a student’s value system. He stresses if the industry “sells the sizzle,” they will come.

Listen to my interview with Dr. Scott Vernon here: Why Ag is a Noble Profession

Visit the AgCareers.com Ag & Food HR Roundtable photo album.