Develop a Strong Labor Force for the Ag Industry
- Develop programs to increase a pipeline of next-generation ag workers that include a work ethic pro-gram, the development of Ag Education Centers in more schools, and the use of a workforce database for ag and seasonal workers.
- Develop a program to help various cultures acclimate to the workforce and community.
Promote and Expand the Food Supply Chain to Better Connect with Consumers
- Expand opportunities for farmers to sell their products to schools through workshops on product diversification.
- Work with beginning farmers and military veteran farmers to improve the local, small-scale and niche food supply chain.
Increase Production and Value-Added Processing of Crops and Livestock
- Expand the distillery and whiskey industries and wood mill working in the region.
- Increase crop and livestock diversification, regional meat processing, hemp processing, cold storage warehousing capacity and the availability of commercial kitchens and co-packing facilities.
Improve the Region’s Transportation, Broadband and Energy Infrastructure
- Improve rail infrastructure and road capacity, increase the number of drivers with CDLs and make broadband more accessible across the region.
- Evaluate solar and biomass energy as opportunities for farm diversification.
Enhance the Regulatory and Policy Environment for Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Encourage the development of local and state incentives and improve the regulatory environment and permitting processes for ag and food processing.
