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GEAPS Partners with MANRRS to Promote Diversity in Agriculture

Published: Feb 11, 2020 by Leslie Casner

GEAPS Partners with MANRRS to Promote Diversity in Agriculture

The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) today announced a partnership with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), a society that promotes academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities. The agreement allows MANRRS members to join GEAPS and engage in training programs and networking opportunities.

“Many of our members report that they have trouble recruiting and retaining talent,” said GEAPS International President Steve Myers, Bunge Milling. “By partnering with MANRRS, we are opening a pipeline to perspective underrepresented student candidates who are interested in our industry. We can connect these young people with our companies and provide a variety of programs to advance their career skills.”

As part of the partnership, student members of MANRRS can become student members of GEAPS for free. After joining GEAPS, they receive discounted rates for GEAPS professional development programs and free admission to GEAPS Exchange 2020 in Minneapolis.

GEAPS members are invited to engage in MANRRS programs, including their annual conference, regional cluster, local chapter meetings and student competitions. MANRRS will ensure its members understand the resources available through GEAPS. The society offers online and in-person training in a variety of formats throughout the year.

Dr. Antomia Farrell, National President of MANRRS looks forward to the connections students can make in the workplace.  “Our members work hard to create opportunities for professional success,” Dr. Farrell said. “This partnership will allow students to make inroads with various companies in the ag industry. We are very excited to engage with GEAPS at the local chapter and larger regional levels.”

About MANRRS

MANRRS is a national society that welcomes membership of people of all racial and ethnic group participation in agricultural and related science careers. MANRRS members are encouraged to be full participants in other professional societies for their basic disciplinary and career interests. However, MANRRS attempts to provide networks to support professional development of minorities. It is a springboard for their entry into and advancement in careers where they otherwise could be lost in the sheer number and established connections of mainstream participants. For student members, MANRRS provides personal and professional development in lieu of, mentorship and networking opportunities.