Employment outlook
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports the annual compound growth rate for agriculture/horticulture jobs is up an average of 13 percent. Projected outlook is an additional 44,503 jobs by 2020.
According to Purdue University Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Labor projects significant growth in the following areas related to Agri-Hort Technology between 2008 and 2018:
- Agricultural Inspectors - 12.8%
- Market Research Analysis - 28.1%
- Soil and Plant Scientists - 15.5%
- Environmental Engineers - 30.6%
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently advised, "Look for approximately 7,900 average annual job openings (2010-15) for graduates in agricultural and forestry production occupations -- the foundation of the U. S. food, agricultural and natural resource system."