Jobs After BSc Agriculture: How to Get Started

Updated on 08 November, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Individuals interested in various aspects of working with land and soil may consider enrolling in agricultural science courses. This field covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including food and soil sciences, as well as animal care. Universities worldwide provide Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs in this discipline. This widely sought-after degree equips students with the skills needed for jobs after BSc Agriculture and pursuing advanced degrees.

 

Jobs after BSc Agriculture Abroad 

Our national economic landscape relies heavily on the agricultural sector as the primary contributor to the overall national income. This trend signifies that in highly developed agricultural nations, the agricultural sector makes a more substantial contribution to the nation's total earnings.

BSc Agriculture Scope: 

Agriculture stands as one of the pivotal sectors, holding significant relevance in both domestic and global arenas. The opportunities for BSc Agriculture graduates are extensive in foreign countries. Overseas destinations such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and specific European countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, and Norway offer excellent job prospects following the completion of a BSc in agriculture. Below is a compilation of overseas BSc Agriculture job opportunities for individuals:

  1. Agriculture Officer
  2. Assistant Plantation Manager
  3. Agricultural Research Scientist
  4. Business Development Executive
  5. Marketing Executive
  6. Assistant Plantation Manager
  7. Seed Officer
  8. Agricultural Research Office

Employers:

 Graduates in the field can secure employment across a wide spectrum of domains, encompassing farm management, service and supply industries, sales, research, as well as advisory and consultancy roles. Job opportunities are available in both public and private sectors abroad.

Typical employers include:

  1. Agricultural and Agri-Pharmaceutical Consultancies
  2. Agricultural Machinery Companies
  3. Environmental Consultancies
  4. Farm Management and Commercial Support Firms
  5. Food Processing Corporations
  6. Food Retail Enterprises
  7. Government Departments and Local Authorities, particularly in advisory and administrative capacities
  8. Trade Associations such as the National Farmers' Union (NFU)
  9. Media Organizations, especially for roles in agricultural journalism
  10. Universities, where positions in research and teaching are prevalent.

Top Universities to Study BSc Agriculture Abroad 

The top universities around the globe as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Agriculture & Forestry to pursue a BSc in Agriculture or allied fields are as follows:

Wageningen University & Research

Subject Rank: 1

World Rank: 151

Courses Offered:  

  • Food Technology
  • Animal Sciences
  • Environmental Sciences
  • International Land and Water Management
  • BSc Soil, Water, Atmosphere                     

Location: Wageningen Netherlands

University of California, Davis

Subject Rank: 2

World Rank: 118

Courses Offered:     

Location: Davis, United States

Michigan State University

Subject Rank: 1

World Rank: 136

Courses Offered: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Sciences

Location: East Lansing, United States

Cornell University

Subject Rank: 4

World Rank: 13

 

Courses Offered: 

  • BS in Agricultural Sciences
  • BS in Animal Science
  • BS in Biology and Society

Location: Ithaca, United States

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Subject Rank: 2

World Rank: 10

Courses Offered: 

  • Environmental Economics and Policy: BS

Location: Berkeley, United States

Iowa State University

Subject Rank: =8

World Rank: 400

Courses Offered: 

  • B.S. in Agricultural Biochemistry
  • B.S. in Agricultural Business
  • B.S. in Agricultural Engineering
  • B.S. in Agricultural Studies

Location: Ames, United States

Ghent University

Subject Rank: 7

World Rank: 159

Courses Offered: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Bioscience Engineering (Agricultural Sciences)

Location: Ghent, Belgium

ETH Zurich

Subject Rank: =8

World Rank: 7

Courses Offered: 

  • Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences

Location: Zürich, Switzerland

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Subject Rank: 10

World Rank: 102

Courses Offered: 

Location: Madison, United States

Top Countries for BSc Agriculture Graduates 

United States: 

The US agriculture sector extends beyond the farm business to include a range of farm-related industries. In 2021, agriculture, food, and related industries contributed 5.4 percent to the U.S. gross domestic product and provided 10.5 percent of U.S. employment; Americans' expenditures on food amount to 12 percent of household budgets on average. Among Federal Government outlays on farm and food programs, nutrition assistance far outpaces other programs.

Australia: 

Australia's agricultural sector comprises approximately 85,000 businesses spanning various industries, each with its unique labor requirements. Notably, vast grain farms are a significant part of this landscape. This agricultural sector holds a pivotal role in the country's economy. It directly employs approximately 228,000 domestic on-farm workers and makes a substantial contribution of nearly $60 billion to the national economy.

Moreover, this impact extends further, with over 1.5 million Australians engaged in a wide range of industries that serve and support the agricultural sector across the nation. These industries encompass manufacturing, transportation, retail, education, scientific research, veterinary care, technology development, biosecurity, and engineering, among others.

Canada: 

The Canadian economy greatly benefits from the agriculture and agri-food sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is entrusted with the task of assisting primary agriculture, including farmers, as well as the food and beverage processing industry. However, it's important to note that this sector has a wide-reaching influence within the broader agri-food system, impacting various facets of the food supply chain.

Canada's food system demonstrates resilience and innovation while concurrently promoting environmental sustainability and bolstering the national economy. In the year 2022, the entire agriculture and agri-food system:

China: 

China's commitment to agriculture has expanded through the introduction of new initiatives and broadening its reach to encompass more regions and a wider array of commodities. While the primary focus of support remains on rice, wheat, and corn, it has also extended to encompass additional crops and livestock. In 2012, the allocated budget for Chinese Government spending on agricultural programs surged to $73 billion, equivalent to 9 percent of the total value of agricultural output.

Salary Trends for Jobs After BSc Agriculture 

Below, you'll find several overseas BSc agriculture job opportunities for individuals, along with salary ranges in the UK, USA, and Netherlands.

BSc Agriculture Salaries

The following are the BSc agriculture salaries of various countries:

Field USA Canada UK Australia Netherlands
Agricultural Research Scientist $87,444/year C$67k/ year £48,272/year AU$66k/ year €49k/ year
Marketing Executive $256,792/year C$60,000 / year £24,611 / year AU$67,182 / year €35,527 / year
Seed Technologist $61k/year C$69k/ year £30k/ year AU$55k/ year €41,604 / year
Plantation Manager $69,034/year C$50,615 / year £30,217/ year AU$68,557 / year €50k / year
Agriculture Officer $72k/year NA £30k/ year AU$74k/ year €49k/ year
Plant Breeder $88,189/year C$65,000 / year £37,000/ year AU$88,337 / year €49,435 / year

Source: Payscale

FAQs

Which country is best to study and make a career after BSc in agriculture?

The United States stands as a top choice for pursuing a BSc in Agriculture, thanks to renowned universities such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Michigan State University, and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB).

Which nation boasts the strongest agricultural economy?

2023 Statistics China leads the world in agricultural production, contributing approximately 50% of global vegetable output, amounting to a staggering 500 million tons. The significant involvement of its vast population in agriculture is a key factor in this achievement.

Which is the best university in the world to pursue a BSc in agriculture?

University of California, Berkeley (UCB is one of the top-ranked universities in the world to study BSc in agriculture.

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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