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Introduction
The AgForLife Student Association is a direct expansion from the AgForLife concept (AgForLife.com) which was developed by the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Student Association, with the slogan "diverse opportunities for diverse people", was formed to educate the student population about the many opportunities in agriculture, and food and life sciences - as well as to facilitate the recruitment of under-represented ethnic groups into the agriculture industry.
Background
The AgForLife concept began when Edward Romero from Texas A&M University shared his idea in 2004 in St. Louis, MO at a meeting with human resource professionals from leading agriculture and food organizations. Recurring concerns expressed included the negative perception the overall population has of the agriculture industry, and the shortage of minorities and others seeking careers in agricultural-related fields. The AgForLife concept was born as a result of this discussion.
Edward Romero, Assistant Dean in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Pablo Ramirez , a graduate student pursing a master’s degree in Agribusiness at Texas A&M University, created the AgForLife Map. Its purpose is to help educate the general public about the various opportunities related to, but not limited to, occupational and career opportunities in agriculture, food and life sciences. The AgForLife map depicts the visual integration of how agriculture plays a role in various systems of society and how they work in tandem with programs in “agriculture” schools to provide career opportunities in many different fields.
The Student Association
Today, agriculture is much different than it was 20 or 30 years ago. Unfortunately, many people visualize agriculture as being ONLY farming or ranching, or linked to production agriculture. Because of these negative stereotypes, historically our industry has faced obstacles in recruiting and retaining candidates. Today, many agricultural-related companies continue to struggle in finding highly trained scientists and professionals from under-represented ethnic groups with expertise in the agriculture, food and life sciences fields.
To fill this void, the AgForLife Student Association at Texas A&M University was born. The Association will provide students with opportunities to become engaged in professional skill development and networking. In addition, the AgForLife Student Association also offers leadership opportunities and promote academic excellence and achievement in the fields of agriculture, food and life sciences, in preparation for a successful career.
You are encouraged to surf our website as well as the AgForLife.com site to learn more about what we do and how you can become involved in this new and exciting student association.
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