Business – Agriculture (Co-op and Non Co-op Version) at Algonquin College

Grow your business skills for a career in the increasingly complex agriculture industry.

The two-year Business - Agriculture Ontario College Diploma program combines agriculture with business and management training, providing you with the skills necessary to successfully operate a farming operation or to provide services to agricultural businesses. Agriculture is an increasingly complex industry, with sophisticated agribusiness managers required to make decisions about crop/herd selection and improvement, pest and soil management, equipment maintenance, farm safety and agricultural production. At the same time, there is a growing need for skills and knowledge to apply management concepts related to agricultural financial administration, human resources, operational efficiency, government regulations, technology, sales and marketing.

Through this program, you examine agricultural techniques through a business lens. With a focus on developing fundamental research, financial and operations skills to evaluate farm production methodologies, technologies and systems in order to inform business decisions. You have opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills through activities, simulations, case studies and interactions with professionals in active farm operations.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Graduates may seek employment in entry-level farming positions or as entrepreneurs.

Graduates may also seek entry-level employment in a variety of companies and organizations that provide services in the agricultural sector, including businesses providing:

• agricultural supplies
• feed
• banking, accounting or logistical services
• process improvement or animal care support
• equipment and maintenance sales and services

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are well organized and can work effectively under tight time constraints.
• Are team oriented and enjoy working with others.
• Are dedicated to food safety and sustainability.
• Are excited by the prospect of taking a hands-on approach to learning and interacting with industry partners and business leaders.

Careers

Graduates may engage in entry-level or supervisory farming occupations, become managers in their family business, or become entrepreneurs. Graduates may also find entry-level positions as agricultural equipment and supplies salesperson, agricultural customer support representative, technical sales specialist or agricultural financial or insurance associate.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify and discuss the impact of global issues on an organization`s business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
2. Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization`s business initiatives.
3. Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization`s business initiatives.
4. Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
5. Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
6. Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
7. Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization.
8. Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
9. Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
10. Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management.
11. Outline and assess the components of a business plan.
12. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
13. Analyze procedures, guidelines and best practices to ensure safe operation and maintenance of agricultural equipment to maximize the lifespan and ROI of farm assets.
14. Evaluate agricultural methods and technologies, based on physical environmental conditions and agricultural practices to promote efficiency, profitability and quality of production.
15. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.