Micro-Credentials (M-Cs) are short qualifications addressing specific skills. They are tools for workforce development, offering flexible opportunities for skill acquisition. While higher education institutions (HEIs) are implementing M-C programs, limited research examines their application to the agricultural workforce.

The purpose of this study was to explore the agriculture industry’s awareness, value, use, and future role of M-Cs in their workforce. To accomplish this purpose, agriculture industry professionals involved in employee-related matters such as hiring, promotion, and supervision completed a survey (N = 41). Findings suggest employers have a growing awareness of M-Cs and are trusting of M-Cs awarded by HEI’s. Employers also value M-Cs directly aligned with industry requirements. For employee training, respondents favor competency-based and affordable M-C programs and agree M-Cs are valuable for professional development.

Responses revealed M-Cs are considered in the hiring process, but did not indicate a preference on if employees earned M-Cs before or after completing their college degree. Employers agreed that professional communication and other personal skills could be improved by M-C programs. Technical skills such as digital skills, business and sales, and IT and data management were highlighted. Most respondents agreed that compliance skills, such as food safety and handling and environmental compliance, would be useful.

Agriculture employers agreed M-Cs would become an industry standard in the next 5-10 years. They emphasize a need for stronger partnerships between HEIs and the agriculture industry and more industry-driven content in M-C programs. Respondents agreed M-Cs would be useful for enhancing skill development, specialization, and facilitating continuous education.

We recommend efforts to improve agriculture industry professionals’ awareness of M-C programs. Further, M-Cs should be developed in alignment to the job and industry needs and focus on competency-based professional, technical, and compliance skills. We suggest strong partnerships between HEIs and agriculture industry employers when developing M-C programs.