Two agrobusiness experts in plaid shirts and denim overalls/pants standing in an open field of tall green crops and reviewing a document on a clipboard

Cultivate your career as an agribusiness manager

Business – Agriculture Ontario College Diploma, co-op program

Explore the business and science in agriculture. Build specialized agricultural skills to foster efficiency, profitability and make a sustainable impact on the future of farming.

Program code AGRI Duration (2 years)
Credential Ontario College Diploma, co-op
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

Agriculture is an increasingly complex industry, with sophisticated agribusiness managers required to make decisions about crop/herd selection and improvement, pest and soil management, farm safety, and agricultural production. In Georgian’s Business – Agriculture Diploma program, you explore both the business and science behind the industry. A combination of outdoor learning with time in classrooms and modern labs provides practical agricultural knowledge, as well as the business training necessary to successfully manage or provide services to agricultural businesses. This program connects you to the agribusiness industry and includes a co-operative work placement between first and second year, giving you hands-on experience and networking opportunities with others in the field. You’ll graduate with a competitive edge – with the ability to examine agricultural techniques through a business lens, and the skills to evaluate farm production methodologies, technologies and systems to inform financial and operational decisions.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2027 Barrie

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Business – Agriculture program?

Business – Agriculture admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status 
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • any Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (C, M, or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirements

All Georgian College students are required to bring their own device (BYOD) that meets the technology requirements for their program. Having access to a personal laptop that meets your program’s technical requirements will ensure you’re prepared for in-class, online and hybrid learning activities. Students are responsible for the cost, software installation, maintenance and repair of their device.  

Why study Business – Agriculture at Georgian?

Highlights

  • Dig into both the science and business sides of agriculture. You’ll explore everything from high-tech farming and eco-friendly practices to financial planning and marketing strategies.
  • Get out of the classroom and into the field. You’ll gain practical skills through outdoor work, labs and co-op placements while working directly with farmers and agribusiness professionals.
  • Faculty members are farmers, agronomists and surveyors who bring real world knowledge and experience to the classroom.
  • Discover cutting-edge, eco-friendly farming methods designed to boost productivity while protecting the planet.
  • Benefit from small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a welcoming community that provides the guidance and hands on experience you need to succeed.
  • Whether you’re interested in farming, agribusiness, or related industries, this program sets you up for success. Plus, international students may find exciting immigration pathways through this field.

What career paths can I take in the agribusiness sector?

Your Business – Agriculture diploma gives you many career opportunities

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, 

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

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do I need previous farming or agricultural experience to enter the program?Georgian College Chevron

No. Previous farming or agricultural work experience isn’t required. The Business – Agriculture program is designed for students with a range of backgrounds, including those who grew up in agriculture and those who are new to the industry. You’ll build knowledge in both agriculture and business throughout the program.

How much hands-on learning will I get?Georgian College Chevron

The program combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience. Students learn about areas such as crop and livestock production, soil and pest management, farm safety, agricultural technology and business operations. Learning may take place in classrooms, labs, outdoor settings and through interaction with farmers and industry professionals. The co-op work term also provides an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real workplace.

Will I need transportation for my co-op work term?Georgian College Chevron

Many agriculture co-op opportunities are located in rural areas where public transit may be limited or unavailable. Students are responsible for arranging transportation to and from their co-op placement.

A driver’s licence and access to a vehicle aren’t required for every placement, but they may increase the number of co-op opportunities available to you. Some placements may be accessible by public transit, while others may offer transportation, accommodation or live-on-site arrangements.

When does the co-op work term take place?Georgian College Chevron

The Business – Agriculture program includes a co-op work term between first and second year. The work term gives you the opportunity to gain practical experience in agriculture or agribusiness, apply what you’ve learned in class, build industry connections and explore potential career paths.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?Georgian College Chevron

Graduates can pursue careers across the agriculture and agribusiness sector. Opportunities may include agricultural sales, crop and livestock production, farm management, agricultural finance, accounting, logistics, feed and supply companies, equipment sales and service, animal care, agricultural technology and other businesses that support the agriculture industry.

The program can also provide a strong foundation for students interested in entrepreneurship, farm ownership or continuing their education.

Flex MORE. Study Business – Agriculture part-time

Benefits of studying part-time:

  • Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go!
  • MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.

What you need to know:

More information coming soon!

What courses are included in the Business – Agriculture diploma program?

Course overview

21 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
1 Co-op Work Term

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Business – Agriculture program outline.

  • ACCT 1000 – Financial Accounting Principles 1
  • AGRI 1000 – Introduction to Agricultural Business
  • COMP 1003 – Microcomputer Applications
  • MATH 1002 – Mathematics of Finance
  • REAS 1000 – Research Concepts and Applications
  • MKTG 1000 – Introduction to Marketing
  • COMM 1016 – Communication Essentials

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

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Do you have questions about Business – Agriculture? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

Questions about the program?

Paul Tarsitano, Professor

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