Five Reasons Agriculture Courses Are Trending Right Now

If you hope to become an agricultural-development whizz, take over the family farming business, or want to work in food supply, then studying agriculture at university may be worth considering. In recent years the subject has gained real momentum, with enrolment in agriculture courses continuing to rise and global demand growing for fresh talent to revitalise the sector from within.

1. A wave of high-tech innovation is driving the sector Whether you're interested in water, soil or land, studying agriculture at university will expose you to some of the challenges facing this generation and the next. Whatever your interests and expertise, your degree will introduce you to pressing environmental issues and supply challenges, and to the wave of innovative new solutions and technologies being developed and tested.

2. There is huge demand for new farmers Over the coming decades, more and more positions will need to be filled, with potentially high salaries for ambitious and forward-thinking young people. The agricultural sector urgently needs new entrants to replace the baby boomers who are only a few years from retirement. So if you're an aspiring agronomist, horticulturalist, landscape designer or fisheries manager, you're in luck. Wherever you want to settle, your expertise is scarce worldwide and essential to modern agriculture.

3. Changing attitudes towards animal welfare and the environment are reshaping how farmers work Pressure on the environment and farm animals has created a worldwide demand for more research and expertise on compassionate, eco-friendly farming practices and solutions. If you're passionate about learning more about animal welfare, food production and rural conservation, agriculture courses will introduce you to the core principles and the new technologies being used to sustain production.

4. There is potential for overseas travel in agricultural development Around 75% of the world's poor depend on agriculture to survive — yet few have access to the advanced training, education and technology that would allow them to live sustainably. If you're interested in making a real impact and travelling, an agricultural development degree will equip you to contribute to sustainable agriculture, forestry and food production in developing countries.

5. Population growth is driving the need for greater efficiency and innovation By 2050, the global population will reach 9 billion people, all of whom need to be fed. This population growth will create real business opportunities in the coming years for young farmers who can boost productivity through research, technology and improved methods. Do you think you have what it takes?