Key Takeaways
- Kearney and Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business have launched a partnership to enhance research, industry engagement, and student development in the agriculture and food sectors.
- The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.
- Key focus areas include corporate partnerships, grower engagement, and expanding career pathways for students through internships and industry awareness initiatives.
- The initiative supports the development of thought leadership and practical insights to address challenges in agribusiness.
- The partnership reflects Kearney’s long-term commitment to agriculture and food consulting, as well as Purdue’s historic leadership in agricultural education.
Enhancing Collaboration Between Industry and Academia
Kearney’s agriculture and food consulting team has partnered with Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business to strengthen ties between industry and academia. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural research, foster industry engagement, and create new opportunities for students and professionals across the food and agriculture value chain.
By combining Purdue’s research expertise with Kearney’s industry knowledge, the partnership is expected to generate practical insights and tools that can help agribusiness leaders navigate emerging challenges such as consumer preference shifts, regulatory changes, and the adoption of artificial intelligence in agriculture.
“This partnership between Purdue and Kearney represents an exciting opportunity to bring industry and academia together to tackle the real challenges agribusiness professionals face today,” said Scott Downey, professor of agricultural economics and director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business. “Kearney’s deep industry knowledge, combined with Purdue’s research expertise and global reputation, allows us to develop practical insights that help agribusiness leaders make better decisions and meaningful learning experiences that help prepare the next generation of industry leaders.”
Focus Areas of the Partnership
The collaboration will focus on three primary areas:
- Corporate Partnerships – Expanding engagement between agribusiness firms, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
- Grower Engagement – Providing data-driven insights and research to support farmers in making informed decisions.
- Career Pathways for Students – Increasing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students through internships, industry awareness programs, and experiential learning initiatives.
These initiatives will help prepare students for careers in agribusiness consulting, supply chain management, and food production, providing them with the skills and industry exposure needed for success.
“We are so excited to realize the potential of this partnership,” said Rob Dongoski, partner and food and agribusiness leader at Kearney. “Purdue’s history of leadership in agricultural education dates back to 1869, and Kearney will turn 100 years old next year. While a robust legacy demonstrates a tenured track record, this partnership is about creating lasting change and co-designing the future of agriculture and food. Both Purdue and Kearney have anchored their success in developing pragmatic tools and insights to affect real change.”
Addressing Challenges in the Agriculture and Food Industry
The agriculture and food sectors are undergoing significant transformation, with challenges ranging from sustainability concerns and supply chain disruptions to advancements in agtech and AI-driven decision-making. By collaborating, Kearney and Purdue aim to develop strategies that support industry leaders in navigating these complexities while fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to drive innovation.
With this partnership, corporate clients, growers, and industry stakeholders will gain access to data-driven insights, research, and advisory services designed to help them adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.
A Long-Term Commitment to Agriculture and Food Innovation
Both Kearney and Purdue University have long histories of contributing to the agriculture and food industries, and this partnership reinforces their shared commitment to innovation, research, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with industry-driven problem-solving, the initiative seeks to create lasting impacts across the entire food and agriculture value chain.
