Food and Biomaterials Production
The Food and Biomaterials Production cluster includes occupations that focus on the production, operations, processing, and logistics of commodities used as food or biomaterials. This also includes occupations in forest production, renewable energy and environmental management.
In the United States between 2025 and 2030, expect an average of 19,725 annual job openings with a focus on Food and Biomaterials Production; and expect 11,577 graduates with FARNRE degrees in food and biomaterials production entering the food agriculture, renewable natural resources and environment workforce. Approximately 19% of all FARNRE job openings are in Food and Biomaterials Production. College graduates with degrees from institutions offering food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment programs will fill 58.7% (11,577) of the annual openings, with 6.9% (1,353) filled by graduates from allied fields of study and the remaining 34.4% (6,795) filled by graduates in other fields, more allied graduates than have typically taken FARNRE jobs, and/or those without a degree (Figure 12).
Observations and Trends: Food and Biomaterials
Employment in food and biomaterials production is projected to increase significantly, averaging 19,725 annual openings from 2025 to 2030. These roles account for about 19 percent of the agricultural job market and are expected to be filled primarily by graduates with practical, applied training. Approximately 58.7% of the openings are expected to be filled by FARNRE graduates and 41.3% by allied fields, other non-allied majors, and/or those without a degree.
Agronomists, horticultural specialists and pest management professionals remain in demand, particularly for candidates with hands-on experience. Opportunities are also expected to grow in commercial livestock and poultry management, where animal health, nutrition and welfare expertise are increasingly valued. This sector will continue to see efficiency gains driven by better production practices and management strategies. As such, the theme of data analytics continues in this cluster of jobs as agriculture adopts even more data-intensive production practices.
Biomaterials and bioenergy employers will continue to seek graduates with knowledge of feedstock logistics and sustainability practices. Across this cluster, the ability to collect, interpret and apply data remains a clear differentiator, while routine and seasonal positions that do not require a degree are expected to show slower growth.
Summary of Food and Biomaterials Production
- Strong demand persists for agronomists, horticultural specialists, consultants and pest management professionals — especially candidates with substantial practical experience.
- Commercial livestock and poultry operations (swine, dairy, feedlot, layer/broiler) continue to offer managerial and technical roles tied to animal health, nutrition and welfare.
- Entrepreneurial opportunities will continue to expand in local, niche and value-added products.
- Biomaterials and bioenergy will seek graduates familiar with feedstock logistics, conversion processes and sustainability practices.
- Candidates who can manage and interpret data have a clear edge in both production and service roles.
- Roles that are primarily routine or seasonal (e.g., nonmanagerial caretaking, basic landscape maintenance) are less likely to require bachelor’s-level preparation.