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About the program

As the demand grows for food and cultivated products for consumer use, the need for individuals who can manage each step of the operation from farm to fork and everything in between grows with it. This program is for anyone who is looking for a strong understanding of the business of agriculture, from finance to agri-business concepts to human resources.

This Ontario College Graduate Certificate program will provide you with opportunities to develop the skills needed for managing the technologies, raw materials, suppliers, work force and other resources involved in agriculture to maximize profit while sustainably satisfying the needs of consumers for products. Through the examination of case studies for agri-business enterprises, guest lectures, and site visits, you will learn to identify effective ways to support agricultural products using current technologies and industry best practices.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, or degree (or equivalent)
OR
  • Acceptable combination of related work experience and post-secondary education as assessed by the College.
OR
  • Five years of work experience in the agri-business field as assessed by the College to be equivalent.

    NOTE: Applicants applying without a post-secondary diploma or degree must submit a resume documenting relevant work experience in the agri-business field. Upload your resume to your application.

Note re: admission requirements

  • Graduate Certificate (Excluding TESL) and Exception Diploma Programs Standard Language Requirements:
    • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
    • TOEFL iBT 88
    • CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60
    • PTE Academic 58
    • Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Attach proof of Admission Requirements.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to enter the field of agricultural management, as well as ancillary areas of agri-business such as agri-business sales and finance. Career opportunities include agriculture, agronomy, sales and service, finance, livestock, marketing, management, research, administration, and advancements in Agri-Technology.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Manage key operations such as marketing, recruitment, finance, legal/regulatory and public policy of a small to medium-sized Canadian agricultural enterprise to ensure profitability and long-term viability.
  • Facilitate business-related communications with all stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of a Canadian agri-business.
  • Manage employees in compliance with relevant government legislation, regulations and policies to ensure occupational safety, preventing workplace accidents and increasing productivity.
  • Assess and implement new and emerging technologies available for use in the Canadian agri-business environment to enhance business operations.
  • Promote Canadian agri-businesses and its products through new media and other platforms to build and maintain customers and increase sales and market value.
  • Develop innovative solutions to business problems by using research of trends and opportunities related to a Canadian agri-business enterprise to ensure efficiency and economic viability.
  • Develop and use personal and professional strategies for professional growth and improved job performance in a Canadian agri-business enterprise.
  • Evaluate Canadian agricultural methods based on physical environmental conditions and agricultural practices to promote efficiency, profitability and quality of production.
  • Identify business opportunities through engagement with existing and prospective customers to build partnerships with community and industry.
  • Collaborate with interprofessional teams in a Canadian agri-business setting to provide service excellence.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024
Winter registration: Opens November 4, 2024