Agricultural technologists assist farmers with everything from planning, cultivating, harvesting and storing crops, as well as soil and water conservation. Some work in an urban setting as urban farmers or advisors to community gardens. Others focus on food security issues. As an agricultural technologist, you can:
- Demonstrate and promote environmentally sustainable agricultural techniques to producers.
- Conduct inventories of resources (water, soil, flora, fauna) found on agricultural lands.
- Plant and maintain urban farms.
- Help plan, design and implement soil remediation measures.
- Plan which agricultural crops to grow in particular soils and growing conditions.
Where you could work:
- Farms and farming cooperatives
- Conservation authorities
- Consulting firms
- Provincial and federal governments
- Environmental organizations
- Community gardens/urban farms
- Research institutions
- International development projects
The BES program helps students develop their analytical and statistical skills, both of which are invaluable to an agricultural technologist. The ability to develop and manage projects is also vital. Several BES courses examine food security issues and community development techniques, which will assist future agricultural technologists.