Strategic Plan To Grow Indiana Agriculture Over Next Decade

Last updated on Wednesday, June 28, 2017

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Food and agriculture has been a driving force in Indiana’s economy since it became a state 200 years ago and remains one of the leading industries.

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, there are 57,500 farming operations across the state, and Indiana ranks 11th in the nation in agricultural sales. In order to move the industry forward, many leaders of Indiana's agricultural community joined together over the past 18 months and developed a 10-year Indiana Agriculture Strategic Plan.

The plan was unveiled to the public at an event on Monday and included presentations, panel discussions and speakers that touched on the plan's strategic priorities, initiatives and actions to lift up all of Indiana agriculture through 2027.

"Agriculture is a fundamental part of Indiana's heritage, our present economy, and most important, our future," said Randy Kron, Indiana Farm Bureau President. "This plan ensures that Indiana agriculture not only remains competitive, but also a leader both nationally and internationally over the next decade. This is an exciting time to be a part of the industry."

The plan's vision is for Indiana agriculture to "enrich lives through innovation, education and collaboration." This can be realized by focusing on the plan's seven priorities:

Economic & Community Development
Education & Career Development
Food and Agricultural Innovation
Infrastructure
Leadership Development
Natural Resources, Stewardship & Environment
Public Relations & Outreach

Each priority includes several key initiatives, which list specific action items. To create a clear path forward, each action item includes a champion(s), designated timeframe and resources required to complete the action. The plan was developed by a diverse committee of leaders and representatives from Indiana's agricultural organizations encompassing agricultural boards, universities, non-government and governmental organizations. As a way to create additional buy-in from all sectors of agriculture, the strategic planning committee conducted nearly two dozen listening sessions and gathered feedback from more than 100 online surveys, which went to farmers, agribusinesses and other industry organizations. "This plan is a testament to the strong collaboration we have in Indiana and will help drive success for farmers, the industry and our state's economy," said Ted McKinney, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. "There are many crucial components to this plan, which span a variety of sectors of agriculture, but the bottom line is that we are working together to move the industry forward."

A copy of the strategic plan and other materials can be found at www.in.gov/isda/3547.htm

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