February 10, 2021
Keeping our Supply Chain Strong
The Importance of Essential Workers
What is more essential than getting food produced safely and delivered on time? Doing so requires the health and safety of the food system workforce be prioritized.
Until March 2020, food system workers weren’t referenced in our society as ‘essential workers;’ rather they were often viewed as a behind-the-scenes worker. The pandemic provided us the opportunity to shift this perception and raise awareness about the essentiality of this labor force.
In a recent press release and video message shared by seven Midwestern states’ governors, the following commissioners, directors, and secretaries across the Midwest shared their appreciation for essential food and ag workers and reiterated the importance of precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to keep the food supply strong:
- Jerry Costello II, Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA)
- Bruce Kettler, Director, Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA)
- Ryan Quarles, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA)
- Thom Petersen, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
- Gary McDowell, Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)
- Dorothy Pelanda, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)
Examples of this type of collaboration and leadership are necessary for the food industry to embrace the necessity of protecting the health and safety of essential workers. The vitality of our food system needs leaders who are prepared to build a path towards a stronger, more resilient food system. Leaders who understand the impacts of decisions across the food system are critical for a more responsive and adaptable food system in the future. The food system will thrive only when leaders understand the intricacies and the ripple effects of the challenges it faces. It will take all disciplines and perspectives to break boundaries that will ensure a more global and sustainable future.
This is the mission of the University of Minnesota’s Integrated Food System Leadership (IFSL) program – to grow leaders to feed the future; leaders who are forward-thinking and have the awareness that they can impact issues outside their area of expertise. As evidenced by the 2020 graduates, the IFSL program is succeeding in breaking down silos and paving the way towards a better future for the food system.
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Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program
Designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers, the IFSL program is a unique graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration and innovation across the food system.
Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the fall program admission. Schedule a consultation call for more information.