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Industry Viewpoint: Trends transforming agriculture’s workforce

By
LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications for Equitable Food Initiative

Workforce development is undergoing a transformation as ethical labor practices, technological advancements and consumer expectations reshape industries worldwide. Agriculture, a sector central to global food systems, is embracing these changes to address historical challenges and improve worker conditions.

The Growing Focus on Ethical Labor Practices
We’ve seen a growing emphasis on ethical labor standards, prioritizing fairness, equity and workers’ well-being. Ethical labor standards are no longer simply a goal, but an expectation shared by consumers, retailers, and businesses alike. The push for greater transparency encourages partnerships between growers, suppliers and advocacy groups, leading to safer workplaces, improved wages and engaged workers. The Ethical Charter Implementation Program, which has brought a multistakeholder group together around the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices, is a perfect example of this.

The Power of Being Socially Conscious
Socially conscious consumers are helping reshape workforce development as they prioritize products that better align with their values, including sustainability, fair worker treatment and animal welfare. Companies meeting these expectations cultivate goodwill, loyalty and stronger market positioning.

Socially conscious consumers have encouraged businesses to adopt practices such as:

  • waste reduction and resource conservation;
  • humane treatment of animals;
  • health and safety improvements;
  • equitable pay; and  
  • accessible grievance systems.

The United Nations Development Programme highlights that businesses with strong human rights-based policies enjoy greater worker loyalty and productivity. Similarly, research from the University of Pennsylvania reveals that satisfied employees not only perform better but can also enhance consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Companies investing in these areas find that ethical practices not only enhance their reputation with conscious consumers but also positively impact operational stability and worker retention.

Technology Enhancing Workforce Development
Technological advancements and digital tools now provide workers with access to training, communication platforms and real-time reporting tools, fostering employee empowerment and collaboration.

Automation and precision agriculture are transforming traditional roles, creating demand for skills in data analysis, machine operation and advanced agriculture techniques. Upskilling and reskilling initiatives, like EFI’s online education offerings, equip workers to thrive in this evolving environment.

Collaboration Drives Transformative Change
Collaboration is an important component of effective workforce development, bringing diverse stakeholders together to address challenges such as economic inequality, worker safety and sustainability. Partnerships, like those fostered by EFI for its certification program and ECIP, illustrate how aligning ethical labor practices with business goals can benefit both workers and organizations. By bringing together diverse perspectives and finding the overlapping areas of interest, we can create systems that not only improve the livelihoods of workers but also drive innovation and success for businesses.

Navigating the Future of Agriculture
The agricultural industry, like many others, is undergoing a period of significant transformation. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, employers must adapt to technological advancements, evolving regulatory frameworks and shifting worker expectations. To attract and retain skilled labor to navigate these opportunities and challenges, a multifaceted approach is essential. Tailored training programs, transparent communication and fair employment practices are crucial to cultivate worker engagement.

Organizations like EFI are helping to drive and navigate this transformation. Through collaboration and innovation, we can collectively build a future where agriculture is a model of ethical and sustainable progress, ensuring the dignity and success of every worker and business.

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February 4, 2025
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