What are some careers in the agricultural business?
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Question by Jen: What are some careers in the agricultural business?
I’d love to be an organic farmer, but unfortunately, pay is quite low and hours are very long. I’m currently a nutrition major and plant science minor in college. I would love to work in the organic agriculture field/organic foods in general. What would be some careers for me? Thanks!
P.S. Please do not list careers involving slaughtering/killing of animals. I would like nothing to do with that. Thanks!
What do you think? Answer below!
One Response to What are some careers in the agricultural business?
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To be completely honest, organic ag is NOT where it’s at. Right now it is a niche market and there are NO proven health benefits of growing stuff organically. As much as we all would like to live in a perfect world where everything could be produced organically, current market prices and the depressed economy cannot and will not make organic farming sustainable. Reduced yields and high input costs will always be the limiting factor. HOWEVER, if you desired to be in organics, working for a university doing research can be an option (you would need a M.S. or Ph.D. to become a full time researcher however).
I would not suggest trying to start your own organic farm, as land, equipment, and labor costs for conventional agriculture has soared in recent years making it very hard for starting farmers. Growing organically includes more labor and tons of paperwork and certification. If you were to get land that did not host an organic farm it may take 3-4 years to reach organic certification. If you get land that was used as an organic farm, you have to have proof beyond a reasonable doubt that it was organic as one application of any synthetic fertilizer or pesticide will null the land of it’s organic status.
If that has talked you out of organic ag, your options are endless when it comes to jobs, but you have to be willing to relocate, even if it is a temporary relocation.
Patrick
November 20, 2011 at 11:12 pm