President and CEO of AgriNovus Beth Bechdol was the keynote speaker at the third annual Barn and Business Breakfast.

WINONA LAKE — More than 300 people from the community and surrounding areas enjoyed breakfast and conversations about emerging issues and advancements in the agricultural field during the third annual Barn and Business Breakfast held at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital on Tuesday morning, March 7.

Keynote speaker President and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana Beth Bechdol spoke on the current issues and innovations in the agricultural industry. AgriNovus is a company focused on advancing the agbiosciences sector. Grace College President Bill Katip made an announcement during the event about an agriculture program the college will be offering starting in the upcoming school year.

During the breakfast, Katip emphasized that Grace College has realized the importance of giving students an opportunity to prepare for a career in the agricultural field. Katip mentioned that over the last three years, the college has been studying the field, and as a result of the studying, the college will be offering an agriculture program starting this fall. Students will be able to earn Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Agribusiness at the school.

Katip stated the programs are, “Specially designed to meet the needs of this region.”

Bechdol explained that the company AgriNovus, strives to encourage economic growth by focusing on the four key areas of Plant Sciences, Animal Health and Nutrition, Human Food and Nutrition and High Tech Agriculture.

In addition to focusing on key areas of the industry, Bechdol mentioned one of their goals as a company is to bring the pieces of the puzzle together in the agriculture industry in the state. Starting with kids, they want to encourage them to pursue a career in agriculture and provide them with the necessary resources to do so. The company also wants to help entrepreneurs and small start-ups in their endeavors to enhance the field of agriculture.

She indicated that the growing field of agriculture has a surplus of job opportunities. The field has more jobs available than there people applying for them. Bechdol stated AgriNovus will be making it a priority to find ways to give K-12 students an opportunity to learn early on about the opportunities the agriculture industry has.

Bechdol explained the industry is expanding from the core programs that many people associate with agriculture. No longer is agriculture just an industry offering only the traditional career routes. Computer scientists and engineers are in demand for the food and agriculture industry.

After Bechdol completed her speech, guests were given questions to be used as a starting point to discuss agricultural issues with those they were seated with. Individuals were able to discuss what challenges they face in their sector of agriculture.

Over 300 people filled the MOCC for the breakfast.