Participation sought from Ag companies to provide insight for first comprehensive study of women in agribusiness

BOSTON, May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Agricultural companies are invited to participate in key surveys to help round out the research data for the first-ever comprehensive study of women in agribusiness, which is being conducted by HighQuest Partners, a global agricultural events and conference firm.

The study, "The Changing Demographics and Experience of Women in Agribusiness," seeks to examine the current representation of women in North American agribusiness, their experience in agribusiness, and the most effective strategies for recruiting, retaining and enabling women to thrive and advance within agribusiness.

Currently study participants are needed in two ways:

• The first is an opportunity for human resources professionals (male or female) to answer a confidential, 20-minute survey about the demographics of women in their company (find the survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/WIAStudy).  Participants of this survey are eligible to receive a summary of the findings.
• The second is a chance for women in agribusiness positions across the value chain to take a similar length, confidential survey to convey their individual perspectives, experiences and attitudes about working in the industry (find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FYHPPPC).

"We are well on our way to analyzing the current situation of women in agribusiness in North America for the benefit of our industry as a whole, but we need additional industry input to complete the study," said Joy O'Shaughnessy, director of Women in Agribusiness Initiatives. "In our examination and compilation, the more companies we involve, the richer our results will be in supporting agribusiness companies in reaching their gender-inclusion goals.  We are eager to provide up-to-date, cutting-edge knowledge and insight on this important topic."

Anticipated questions that will be answered by the comprehensive study include: What proportion of women hold leadership positions?  How does women's representation in agribusiness compare to that of other business sectors? What is the experience of women in agribusiness and what challenges and concerns do women have? What are the most effective recruitment, retention, and professional advancement strategies for gender-inclusion at an individual, organizational, and industry level?

Key findings of "The Changing Demographics and Experience of Women in Agribusiness" study will be presented at the company's second annual Women in Agribusiness Summit (www.womeninag.com) in Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 22-24, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency. 

To learn more, visit http://goo.gl/byC79, or to take the survey over the phone or via .pdf file, contact Sarah Day - [email protected].

Michelle Pelletier-Marshall
[email protected]
978-887-8800 ext. 117

SOURCE HighQuest Partners