Is your background in data analytics? Consider a career in agribusiness.

Like many things, the world of food and agriculture is becoming increasingly digitalized.

For example, the FDA predicts online shopping will account for more than 20% of all United States grocery revenue in 2023. That’s just on the consumer side. Behind the curtain, agribusiness and farming organizations are digitalizing operations across the board. The result: A growing need for executives with a comprehensive grasp on analytics, both consumer and otherwise.

Many of our agriculture clients have expressed interest in these kinds of profiles, especially those with robust experience in predictive analysis and KPI analysis. But agribusiness isn’t usually the choice industry for executives of this background. Here’s why it should be:

Recession resistance:

The agriculture industry is known to be “recession resistant.” As of May 2023, it’s not clear whether the United States will soon face a full-on recession, but most economists predict at least some degree of an economic downturn. Agriculture is susceptible to this downturn just like any other industry, but the necessity of food production means this field is uniquely resilient to long-term economic consequences. If you’re examining which sectors provide the most stability for your career, agribusiness is an excellent option – especially as the demand for food is predicted to increase dramatically in the coming decades.

Ag needs problem solvers:

If you’re seeking a career that allows you to have a profound impact on the world at large, agribusiness needs you. It’s widely predicted that the agriculture industry will have to produce around 70% more food by 2050 to keep up with the growing population. This feat will require agribusiness executives to dramatically alter their approach and philosophy surrounding food production, likely taking an analytics-based approach to corporate strategy and problem solving. Additionally, we can expect increased attention on food traceability, which is needed to ensure food safety and improve outbreak response. As the status quo changes in this industry and more operational and strategy-related processes are digitalized, the demand for analytics-heavy agribusiness talent will increase dramatically.

It’s for a worthy cause:

According to a report from Gallup, over half of all United States workers feel unengaged in their careers. Part of this unhappiness stems from a lack of meaningful work, or work where individuals feel they are valued and making a difference in the world. Joining the agribusiness industry presents a big challenge with an even bigger reward. No matter how much the world changes around us, people will always need nutritious and affordable food. Being part of the solution, no matter your skill set or background in agriculture, is a productive and impactful way to use your career for the greater good.

The takeaway:

Agribusiness is in a transformational period, and it needs executives from a diverse slate of backgrounds to keep up with a rapid shift to digitalization and an exponentially growing demand for healthy and affordable food. If you’re someone with a background in analytics and you’re shopping for impactful careers that will leave you challenged and fulfilled, consider agribusiness as a worthwhile option.

To learn more about the Charles Aris Agriculture Practice or schedule a career conversation, contact Eric Spell at eric.spell@charlesaris.com / (336) 217-9116 or Tory McGough at tory.mcgough@charlesaris.com or (336) 217-9196.