Industry-first sector information gathered with Women in Agribusiness survey

BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Valuable sector information is being collected from hundreds of women across the agricultural value chain attending the inaugural Women in Agribusiness Summit (www.womeninag.com) in New Orleans, September 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency. 

Details will be gathered via a pre-event survey on: the demographics of the women, such as area of responsibility, academic achievement, benefits and wages, and length of employment; mentoring relationships and opportunities; motivations and challenges; and advancement and retention options.

"In doing our research for this inaugural event, we found the lack of data on the shifting demographics of this sector to be somewhat apparent," said Frances Pratt, co-chairwoman of the event hosted by HighQuest Partners, a global agriculture consultancy.  "As a result, one of our goals is to analyze more pertinent information on women in agribusiness to ensure that the conference proceedings reflect their voices and choices and include the most relevant and sought-after topics."

Pratt said that the survey results will help the company to extend the conference series.  "Our hope as we grow this conference to Europe and beyond is to hone in on the important topics and concerns for women in agribusiness and expertly present them for discussion by key industry players, and the survey results are foremost in providing direction for this expansion."

The Women in Agribusiness Summit, which provides a venue for women in the sector to exchange professional and career path development strategies, foster key relationships, and encourage the next generation of women in agribusiness on a course for success, has attracted ag industry giant sponsors that include Agrex Inc., Cargill, Dow AgroSciences, Farm Credit, Kraft Foods, Land O'Lakes, Monsanto and Novus.

Additionally, the uniqueness of this summit has led to it being featured in an upcoming RFD-TV program called "This Week in Agribusiness."  RFD-TV is billed as "Rural America's Most Important Network," with programming designed to both cultivate and nourish the country lifestyle, including the most comprehensive lineup of agriculture-based programs ever assembled on one channel.

The Women in Agribusiness Summit is the prelude to the 7^th annual Soy & Grain Trade Summit (www.soyandgraintrade.com) for domestic and international soybean, oilseed and grain commodity buyers and their suppliers, which runs through Sept. 19 at the same venue.

Contact: Michelle Pelletier Marshall
978.887.8800, [email protected]

SOURCE HighQuest Partners