FORECASTING FUTURE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOOD, AGRICULTURE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES HIGHER EDUCATION GRADUATES USING ADJUSTED BUREAU OF LABOR FORECASTS

Forecasts of the number of future professionals required for an ongoing safe, efficient US food system are highly important. The demand for adequately prepared higher education graduates must be met by the US Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Education System. Without accurate forecasts of the human resource needs of the food sector of the economy, adequate professionals may not be available when needed. This research effort makes use of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasted employment opportunities. The estimation of professionals required in the food and agriculture sectors of the economy is developed by selecting and manipulating data from the BLS model that is relevant to food and agriculture careers. These forecasts of needed professionals can be used by Directors of Resident Instruction to manage the educational system to meet the food sector demands for adequately educated human resources.