Ever wanted to work with space technology, design precision farming tools, help revolution plant breeding or develop innovative growing techniques? A career in agronomy could be the answer. CPM investigates.
“The range of careers available now aren’t just tied to being a field walking agronomist.” – ANDY BROOKS
By Melanie Jenkins
The days when a career in agronomy would largely mean crop walking are fast becoming a thing of the past. Instead, it’s evolved into a career that could head in any number of directions, be that in precision technology, education or even to different places around the world.
As aspects of farming and agriculture such as integrated pest management, sustainability, and the environment become ever more prevalent, the role of the traditional agronomist has expanded exponentially, but the fields in which they can walk have too, says BASIS’ Andy Brooks. “The range of careers available now aren’t just tied to being a field-walking agronomist.”
While the straight BASIS and FACTS qualifications are the only route into becoming a fully qualified agronomist, points out Andy, there are many career options to embark on in agronomy. “There are a lot of other routes into becoming an agronomist; you could take a university course, enter as a graduate trainee, through foundation courses or even via organisations such as FWAG and water companies. It’s possible to do Levels 4 through 6 with BASIS and FACTS and then attend Harper Adams University as a graduate in agronomy and environmental management.”
Those looking to obtain their BASIS certification are likely going to have to apply 6-9 months – around 300 hours – of learning to achieving this,
he explains. “It sounds like a lot but during that period it’s not that scary. Just ensure you find a trainer that works for you because this is important.”
The role of the agronomist is still evolving and is likely to change more in the coming years, with the content of the BASIS qualification continuing to reflect this, explains Andy. “There’s a lot more emphasis on the environmental impacts of farming now and we’ve seen a massive reduction in the use of chemicals.”
The University of Reading has a well- established agriculture department which offers numerous courses, including in crop protection. Associate professor, Dr Paola Tosi, is also seeing the programmes she teaches adapting. “There’s a real push towards regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming, and the importance of low input systems.”
MISCONCEPTIONS
Hutchinsons’ Alice Cannon points out that many new starters might feel that without a farming background, the industry isn’t accessible. “This is a misconception and so long as you have a genuine interest and a passion for the industry then there are opportunities for you.”
From Paola’s experience, students in agronomy now come from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just farming. “We have individuals from insurance companies and banks who have to understand agronomy to ensure return on investment for the products they’re selling. Only around one third to a half of our students come from a farming background and we’re increasingly seeing new entrants showing an interest in working in the wider industry.”
Andy encourages those new to the industry to find practical on-farm experience. “Get your hands dirty, drive tractors, gain an understanding of machines, crops and soils. Contact local agronomists, show initiative and try to find some experience shadowing them.”
According to AHDB’s Craig Patrick, one of the best things new starters in the industry can do is to surround themselves with the right people. “There are a lot of innovative figures in the industry who you can connect with by joining consortiums, projects and meetings. Build a network around you because I think this will make it easier to develop your career rather than going at it independently.”
So just where could a career in agronomy lead? According to James Trett of JP Trett, agricultural recruiter, there are opportunities in scientific
institutions, sales and commercial enterprises, vertical farms, with precision agriculture developers and carbon reduction organisations, among many more.
“We’ve worked with overseas companies that want Western-educated agronomists, placing candidates in the Middle East, Africa and Romania to name just a few. A career in agronomy can lead to almost anything, with language unlikely to be an obstacle as English is often the main language spoken. “And if you haven’t taken your BASIS or FACTS yet, this isn’t necessarily a barrier because lots of firms will put their employees through these qualifications,” explains James. “We’re seeing a shortage of agronomy skills across a lot of industries, so organisations are looking to access and support the right candidates to overcome this.”
NICHE SPECIALISMS
For those either just embarking on their career, or already established, the Agricultural Industry Confederation’s (AIC) Hazel Doonan points out there’re opportunities to focus on specific crops, the environment, fertilisers, sustainability, regenerative agriculture or product development. “It’s a wonderful way of life where you’re outdoors meeting interesting people. You might decide to work with trade associations, retailers, food processors, or you might find you want to farm.”
Paola highlights there are opportunities in the academic world for agronomists too, but that the career could head in any number of directions. “Agronomy could be relevant to a career with Defra, PGRO, LEAF, ADAS and even machinery manufacturers. There are so many possibilities and a spectrum of jobs available that are incredibly diverse.”
As to how the future of the career of an agronomist looks, Hazel believes it to be an exciting space. “There are so many new developments which will change the role of the agronomist, I believe this will be in terms of quantity of data and interpretation. But it’s important to recognise that your role as an agronomist is really critical for food production in the UK.”
DIGITISATION
Agronomy is an area that’s going to become more integrated with remote sensing, drone use and artificial intelligence, says Andy. “We’re already at a point where we can automatically detect disease levels and identify multiple issues and this will only increase in the coming years.”
Alice feels the industry is going through a phase of serious development. “When I joined Hutchinsons 10 years ago, we didn’t have an environmental team but now there are 15 of us involved in this.”
Advances in technology are likely to open up more opportunities for agronomists, says Craig. “I think agri-tech is the greatest area of opportunity out there. Having skills in both agronomy and technology is really valuable because most people in technology don’t understand farmers.
“And while I think agri-tech businesses have become a lot more visible to the industry, the communication between the industry and those with the right skills to work in this sector are still lacking.”
This article was taken from the latest issue of CPM.
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