Progress 01/15/23 to 05/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Our efforts through this project targeted a diverse audience at the local and national level. We targeted stakeholder in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Industry at the local and national level to assess the workforce training needs (54 survey respondents). We also targeted UMKC students with a survey to gauge their interest in CEA education (556 survey respondents). Through a workshop we targeted regional faculty of institutions of higher education and local leaders in the private, non-governmental, and governmental sector to seek partnerships as we build CEA curriculum in the region. Surveys CEA industry survey asked stakeholders in the CEA industry about knowledge and skills needed in different job positions. Out of 54 respondents 40% in support industries, 38% directly involved with the growth and sale of crops, and 19% in academic positions. 81% were from companies/farms headquartered in the United States 34% were from CEA farms that are growing and selling crops Those selling crops indicated that the cropping systems used at their farms were 52% vertical farms, 24% greenhouses, 16% high tunnels, and 8% plant factories. 11% identified as veteran 4% indicated having some form of disability Age distributions of respondents was as follows: 16% 18-29 years, 18% 30-39 years, 30% 40-49 years, 16% 50-59 years, and 11% over 60 years of age The distribution of the highest level of education achieved by the respondents 49% graduate or professional degree, 36% baccalaureate degree, 7% associate or technical degree, and 7% had some college credits 56% males and 38% female Survey to UMKC students measured interest in CEA education. Only 556 students that were over 18 years of age and did not invoke their FERPA rights completed the survey. The students identified as 57.2% undergraduate, 41.7% graduate, and 1.1% as other. The top three academic units represented in the survey were: 23% School of Science and Engineering, 16% the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, and the 13% School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences We conducted a local workshop with the purpose to evaluate UMKC's institutional capacity and identify collaborators that will help build CEA curriculum in the region. Higher education institutions UMKC faculty and Deans from School of Science and Engineering and School of Humanities and Social Sciences Kansas State University University of Missouri Private industry and farms: 4 entities represented Non-governmental organization: 1 entity represented Local government: 2 entities represented We identified two groups that may benefit from the outcomes of this project. The first group include individuals/institutions seeking to create new curriculum focused on CEA, which will benefit from a decision-makig tool that we developed using the industry survey data. The second group includes HR departments and private companies seeking to draft job position descriptions and set expectations for candidates in the CEA sector. Our team submitted a full proposal for the HEC program to build regional CEA curriculum that will be shared among four campuses (UMKC, University of Missouri, Kansas State University - Manhattan, and Kansas State University - Olathe)benefitingKansas and Missouri. Changes/Problems:We anticipated building a website as an additional channel to communicate findings from the industry survey. However, our academic unit was in the process of hiring a website manager at the beginning of 2024 and we are still in the process of hiring one. Therefore, we could not build a website. We expected to have the article published by the time of the final report, but the article is still in the review process. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Presentation at the 2023 Indoor Ag Conference. White paper published at the Indor Ag Conference website:https://indoor.ag/white-paper-assessment-of-cea-workforce-needs-and-umkc-student-interest-in-cea-education/ Journal article that is under review at the Journal of Agricultural Education. Approved abstract for an oral presentation at the 2024 Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Our goals were achievedby developing a decision-making tool and engagingwith regional stakeholders. Through the project activities we were able to assess the CEA industry workforce training needs and assess UMKC's student interestand current capacity related to delivering CEA education. Through the CEA industry survey determined the training needs for farm workers, farm managers, R&D technician, R&D director, marketing specialist, food safety coordinator, CEA investor, and CEA owner.A decision-making tool was created to assist other institutions with making decisions on which topics and degree formats to include when developing CEA curriculum. The decision-making tool can also help the HR departments in the CEA industry to create job position descriptions and set expectations for applicants seeking a career in CEA.The tool is included in an article that is currently under review process at the Journal of Agricultural Education. Additionally, the project activities measured the student interest in CEA education and assessedUMKC's current and needed capacity, infrastructure, and human capital to deliver CEA education. Objective 1:Engage with approximately 25 faculty from the Kansas City area and the UM System to validate the surveys and curriculum content, assess institutional capabilities and needs, and secure a commitment for a 2023 collaborative grant proposal. A workshop was conducted to engage with local and regional stakeholders interested in developing CEA education. We received 34 registrations and 18 individuals participated in the workshop, representing higher education institutions (UMKC, University of Missouri, and Kansas State University), private engineering firms, urban farms, non-governmental institutions, and governmental agencies. Results and observations from the surveys were shared with the workshop attendees. The attendees engaged in discussions on the expected learning outcomes from CEA education and what key topics, equipment, infrastructure, and collaborations needed to achieve each learning outcome. The workshop discussions enabled theassessment UMKC's institutional capacity and informed the planning of a CEA curriculum at UMKC. The main outcome from the workshop was thecollaborative proposal that was submitted by UMKC to the HEC programin collaboration with Kansas State University (K-State) and University of Missouri (MU) to share the development and execution CEA education among the campuses. The research team used the UMKC institutional capacity to deliver CEA education assessment to submit internal proposals aimed at building infrastructure. Two proposals were submitted in between May 2023 and May 2024 but none were funded. Key outcomes from the workshop: Established a network of collaborations and partnerships to develop CEA education in the region. Created an institutional capacity assessment to deliver CEA education at UMKC. Submitted a full proposal to the HEC program in collaboration with K-State and MU. Submitted two internal proposals to secure infrastructure to deliver CEA curriculum. Created a framework for a CEA minor degree program at UMKC. Objective 2: Assess the interest of UMKC undergraduate students in agriculture and CEA. We conducted a survey targeting UMKC students that were older than 18 years old and did not invoke their FERPA rights. The students identified as 57.2% undergraduate, 41.7% graduate, and 1.1% as other. The top three academic units represented in the survey were: 23% School of Science and Engineering, 16% the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, and the 13% School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences. UKMC students had limited experience in agriculture (3.15 experience on a 0 - no experience to 10 - highly experienced scale). Only 1.6% of students were familiar with the concept of CEA while 51.3% heard something about it and 47.1% had never heard of CEA. Only 2% of the students indicated that they participated in the UMKC Gardening Club. The survey observations showed strong evidence of the lack of awareness and exposure to agricultural concepts and programs at UMKC. The data from the student surveys will be use as the baseline indicators to evaluate the success of any future agriculture related program at UMKC. Despite the lack of experience and engagement in agriculture, 89% of students would like to see a greenhouse or laboratory at UMKC where students participate in growing crops and 58% are interested or would consider participating in a minor in CEA. Ninety-four percent of students interested would consider in participating in CEA internships as part of a CEA curriculum. The student survey revealed that students were interested and would consider participating in an agricultural program if offered by UMKC. ?Objective 3: Identify workforce, skills, and technical knowledge needs in the CEA industry. Our team developed a survey targeting stakeholders with ties to the CEA industry. The survey was reviewed by the research team and the IRB (deemed exempt from review) prior to be sent to the CEA industry. The survey was sent to individuals in the mailing lists for the Indoor-Ag Con and the US CEA Network. The Indoor Ag-Con has approximately 6,500 contacts in their mailing list representing growers, investors, real estate developers, technical leaders, produce buyers, academics, policymakers, industry suppliers, and advocates for the CEA industry. The US CEA Network mailing list has approximately 112 contacts from faculty members and USDA officials with research and extension programs tied to CEA. The participants were then asked to select the skills and knowledge they thought were needed for different job positions in a CEA operation. A short description of the activities and expectations for each position were provided prior to asking the participants to answer the questions. Participants were then asked to indicate the appropriate educational program they felt would certify that an individual is fit for such position. Industry participants then ranked the positions that are most needed currently and in the future. The industry survey had 54 respondents. The following statements describe the respondents to the industry survey: 40% in support industries, 38% directly involved with the growth and sale of crops, and 19% in academic positions. 81% were from companies/farms headquartered in the United States. 34% belonged to a CEA company/farm that is growing and selling crops. The CEA cropping systems employed by those growing and selling crops were52% vertical farms, 24% greenhouses, 16% high tunnels, and 8% plant factories. 11% identified as veteran 4% indicated having some form of disability Age distributions:16% 18-29 years, 18% 30-39 years, 30% 40-49 years, 16% 50-59 years, and 11% over 60 years of age Highest level of education achieved by the respondents 49% graduate or professional degree, 36% baccalaureate degree, 7% associate or technical degree, and 7% had some college credits 56% males and 38% female The industry survey data allowed us to build a decision-making tool (described in the article submitted to the Journal of Agricultural Education) that help us identify the key concepts to include in CEA curriculum and the educational degree program that certifies competency for the CEA job positions included in the survey. Any institution seeking to develop CEA curriculum or programs will benefit from the survey findings. Additionally, the decision-making tool can also help create job position descriptions and expectations for different positions in the CEA industry. Objective 4: Design an educational curriculum based on the feedback from students, faculty, and the CEA industry. The team submitted a full proposal to the HEC program in 2024.If funded, we anticipate that the program will begin to be offered to students in the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026. The curriculum was included in the proposal.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Cabrera JC, Cottrell A, Moretz C, Chang K. 2024. "Case Study: Assessing Workforce Training Needs and UMKC Student Interest to Develop Controlled Environment Agriculture Education in Kansas City." Oral presentation abstract. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference Proceedings.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
? Cabrera-Garcia JC, Cottrell A, Matz C, Chang, K. 2024. Case Study: Assessing Workforce Training Needs and UMKC Student Interest to Develop Controlled Environment Agriculture Education in Kansas City . Submitted to the Journal of Agricultural Education 04/09/2024.
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Progress 01/15/23 to 01/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Nationwide CEA Industry Stakeholders:A survey was administered to individuals in the mailing lists for the Indoor-Ag Con and the US CEA Network. The Indoor Ag-Con has approximately 6,500 contacts in their mailing list representing growers, investors, real estate developers, technical leaders, produce buyers, academics, policymakers, industry suppliers, and advocates for the CEA industry. The US CEA Network mailing list has approximately 112 contacts from faculty members and USDA officials with research and extension programs tied to CEA.The industry survey totaled 54 responses resulting in less than 1% response rate. Role in the CEA industry: 40% in support industries, 38% directly involved with the growth and sale of crops, and 19% in academic positions. 81% were from companies/farms headquartered in the United States. 34% belonged to a CEA company/farm that is growing and selling crops. The CEA cropping systems employed by those growing and selling crops were distributed as 52% vertical farms, 24% greenhouses, 16% high tunnels, and 8% plant factories. UMKC Students:The student survey was sent to 11,290 UMKC undergraduate and graduate students. The survey was not sent to students that invoked their FERPA rights, high school students taking advanced credits, and any student under 18 years of age.The student survey had 556 responses resulting in a 5% response rate. The students identified as 57.2% undergraduate, 41.7% graduate, and 1.1% as other. The top three academic units represented in the survey were: 23% School of Science and Engineering, 16% the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, and the 13% School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences. Local Missouri Stakeholders:local industry, farmers, non-for-profit organizations, government, and higher education institutions were invited to participate in a workshop to discuss the development of CEA education programs. Twelve participants representing the following sectors attended the workshop: Higher education: Kansas State University - Olathe, University of Missouri Division of Plant Science & Technology, and University of Missouri - Kansas City Industry: Anvil Agronomics, Rich Microgreen Farm LLC, and Associated Air Products Non-for-profit agencies: Cultivate KC Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination efforts: CEA Industry: results from the survey were presented at the 10th Annual Indoor Ag-Con in 2023. A website was developed by the Indoor Ag-Con commitee to host a copy of the presentation and the white paper https://indoor.ag/white-paper-assessment-of-cea-workforce-needs-and-umkc-student-interest-in-cea-education/. CEA education workshop: part of the workshop agenda included a presentation that showed the results of the surveys to local stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Prepare and submit a manuscript for publication to the Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. Initiate conversations with local stakeholders to secure collaboration to submit a full HEC proposal. Build a website at UMKC to summarize findings from the project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
UMKC students are not exposed to agricultural programs due to a lack of agriculture focused programs and classes. CEA education is multidisciplinary and we needed to engage with UMKC's faculty members and leadership. The workshop facilitated engagement with faculty from different academicunits creating an interest in developing CEA education at UMKC. The deans of the School of Science & Engineering and the School of Humanities & Social Sciences indicated that they will support the initiative. Industry representatives indicated their interest and support as guest speakers for courses that may be developed or internship opportunities. Unfortunately, we could only engage with 12 individuals instead of the anticipated 25 faculty members from the Kansas City area and the UM System. Through the CEA industry survey we identified training needs and educational programs that certify competency for different job positions in the CEA industry. The findings were summarized in the white paper and a publication that is being developed at the time of this progress report. The findings can also be used by the CEA industry when developing job descriptions and assessing applicant fitness for different positions within the CEA industry.The CEA industry indicated that job positions related to growing crops, managing the farm, food safety and R&D were the most needed. Data from the industry survey can be used as a decision making tool to assist institutions deciding the education degree program and what skills to include in their CEA education initiatives. The student survey allowed us to gauge UMKC students' interest in CEA education and establish a baseline to evaluate the success of any future agriculture related educationinitiatives at UMKC. The student survey had 556 responses exceeding our estimate of 250 responses. UKMC students had limited experience in agriculture (3.15 experience on a 0 - no experience to 10 - highly experienced scale).Only 1.6% of students were familiar with the concept of CEA while 51.3% heard about it and 47.1% had never heard of CEA. Only 2% of the students indicated that they participated in the UMKC Gardening Club. Despite the lack of experience and engagement in agriculture, 89% of students would like to see a greenhouse or laboratory at UMKC where students participate in growing crops and 58% are interested or would consider participating in a minor in CEA. The major outcomes of the project are: Increased awareness of CEA education initiatives among UMKC's students, faculty members, and leadership. Engagement with faculty members from University of Missouri and Kansas State University - Olathe campus. Engagement with local industry representatives interested in collaborating in developing CEA education programs. White paper summarizing the assessment of the CEA workforce training needs. Measured student interest in CEA education at UMKC and baseline data to evaluate future ag related education initiatives.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Cabrera-Garcia, JC; Cottrell, A; Matz, C; Chang, K. 2023. Assessment of Controlled Environment Agriculture Workforce Needs and UMKC Student Interest in Controlled Environment Agriculture Education. 10th Annual Indoor Ag-Con.
Available at https://indoor.ag/white-paper-assessment-of-cea-workforce-needs-and-umkc-student-interest-in-cea-education/
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