Business - Agriculture
Grow your business skills for a career in the increasingly complex agriculture industry.
- Combines agriculture with business and management training, providing the skills to operate a farm or work in the agriculture industry
- Gain the practical skills and confidence to launch and manage their own businesses
- Interact with professionals in active farm operations, and participate in case studies and simulations
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2026
Yes
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
CIP Code(s): 01.0101
The two-year Business - Agriculture Ontario College Diploma program combines agriculture with business and management training, providing you with the skills necessary to successfully operate a farming operation or to provide services to agricultural businesses. Agriculture is an increasingly complex industry, with sophisticated agribusiness managers required to make decisions about crop/herd selection and improvement, pest and soil management, equipment maintenance, farm safety and agricultural production. At the same time, there is a growing need for skills and knowledge to apply management concepts related to agricultural financial administration, human resources, operational efficiency, government regulations, technology, sales and marketing.
Through this program, you examine agricultural techniques through a business lens. With a focus on developing fundamental research, financial and operations skills to evaluate farm production methodologies, technologies and systems in order to inform business decisions. You have opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills through activities, simulations, case studies and interactions with professionals in active farm operations....(read more)
Overview
Grow your business skills for a career in the increasingly complex agriculture industry.
The two-year Business - Agriculture Ontario College Diploma program combines agriculture with business and management training, providing you with the skills necessary to successfully operate a farming operation or to provide services to agricultural businesses. Agriculture is an increasingly complex industry, with sophisticated agribusiness managers required to make decisions about crop/herd selection and improvement, pest and soil management, equipment maintenance, farm safety and agricultural production. At the same time, there is a growing need for skills and knowledge to apply management concepts related to agricultural financial administration, human resources, operational efficiency, government regulations, technology, sales and marketing.
Through this program, you examine agricultural techniques through a business lens. With a focus on developing fundamental research, financial and operations skills to evaluate farm production methodologies, technologies and systems in order to inform business decisions. You have opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills through activities, simulations, case studies and interactions with professionals in active farm operations.
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 businesses providing:
- agricultural supplies
- feed
- banking
- accounting or logistical services
- process improvement or animal care support
- equipment and maintenance sales and services
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
BUS9301
Course Name:
Business Computer Applications
Course Description:
The knowledge gained in this course will give the students a solid foundation for future learning in other courses and in business. Students... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL9212
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOR9100
Course Name:
Plants, Soil and Fertilization
Course Description:
Knowledge of plant biology, soil characteristics and proper soil maintenance by producers can substantially affect crop yield and farm profi... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
LAW9100
Course Name:
Farm Safety and Biosecurity Regulations
Course Description:
Agricultural workers are subject to some of the highest occupational fatality rates in Canada. In addition, biosecurity events greatly jeopa... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT9106
Course Name:
Introduction to Management Fundamentals
Course Description:
Management principles, including planning, leading, organizing, and controlling in today's organization within the context of ethics, corpor... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
QUA9100
Course Name:
Basic Business Mathematics
Course Description:
The essentials of arithmetic and its applications, including fractions, decimals, percentages, mathematics of buying and selling, payroll, t... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ACC9200
Course Name:
Accounting Concepts I
Course Description:
Students are provided with the basics of financial accounting whether they are interested in becoming a practitioner or are looking to broad... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOR9201
Course Name:
Crop Production Management
Course Description:
Corn, oilseed, forage and grain production are essential to livestock production. These cultures are also the basis for the food production ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
LAW9200
Course Name:
Legislation and Agriculture
Course Description:
Canadian agriculture is highly regulated to ensure customer safety and continued economic development of the industry. Students examine legi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT9200
Course Name:
Equipment and Asset Management
Course Description:
Efficient farm operations depend on strategic selection and maintenance of machinery, equipment and buildings. Students examine the various ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RET9302
Course Name:
Professional Selling
Course Description:
Students are able to support the critical role of trust-based relationship selling and its increasing importance in the business environment... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCI9200
Course Name:
Animal Health and Nutrition
Course Description:
Understanding biological principles applied to animal sciences is the basis for success in livestock production. Students learn the anatomy ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BUS9400
Course Name:
Dairy Business Operations
Course Description:
Substantial regulation makes the Canadian dairy industry a commodity with very specific business considerations. Students explore the dairy ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ECO9300
Course Name:
Economic Issues
Course Description:
Knowledge of contemporary economic issues is essential to understanding the world in which we live. Students examine the fundamental economi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENV9300
Course Name:
Sustainable Practices in Agriculture
Course Description:
The agricultural industry has a profound impact on society. It feeds the population but also impacts its environment. Consumers are increasi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOR9301
Course Name:
Pest, Disease and Weed Management
Course Description:
Modern, large-scale crop production can only be profitable with adequate control of pests, weeds and diseases. Students explore the impacts ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HOR9302
Course Name:
Vegetable and Fruit Production Management
Course Description:
Increased demand for local produce fuels sustainability movements and an increased customer awareness about food origin and quality. Student... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT9310
Course Name:
Business Planning 1
Course Description:
Concepts acquired through the program are assembled in a strategic plan that culminates in a business plan. Students apply business concepts... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ACC9400
Course Name:
Accounting for Agribusiness
Course Description:
Farmers and the agriculture industry face escalating challenges. Changing government policy, market trends and environmental influences cont... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
BUS9300
Course Name:
Livestock Business Operations
Course Description:
Livestock operational efficiency requires the application of proven animal husbandry methods. Through a combination of group discussions and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL9400
Course Name:
Communications for Agribusiness
Course Description:
Clear, concise, professional communication skill is an essential tool in any business. Whether in sales, marketing, managing employees, inte... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIT9400
Course Name:
Leadership in Society
Course Description:
Leadership and leadership styles affect society. Students examine different models of leadership, as well as a history of leadership in soci... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT9304
Course Name:
Project Management for Business Start-Ups
Course Description:
Entrepreneurs must know how to successfully plan and execute projects on time and within budget. Students learn the basic concepts of projec... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT9405
Course Name:
Directed Project in Agriculture
Course Description:
Continuing professional development is fundamental to the improvement of standards and skills for individuals and their industries. Skills i... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT9410
Course Name:
Business Planning 2
Course Description:
Learning is culminated through the development and presentation of a business plan. In completing their business plan, students apply busine... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may engage in entry-level or supervisory farming occupations, become managers in their family business or become entrepreneurs. Graduates may also find entry-level positions as agricultural equipment and supplies salesperson, agricultural customer support representative, technical sales specialist or agricultural financial or insurance associate.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify and discuss the impact of global issues on an organization's business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
- Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization's business initiatives.
- Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
- Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
- Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
- Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
- Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization.
- Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
- Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
- Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management.
- Outline and assess the components of a business plan.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
- Analyze procedures, guidelines and best practices to ensure safe operation and maintenance of agricultural equipment to maximize the lifespan and ROI of farm assets.
- Evaluate agricultural methods and technologies, based on physical environmental conditions and agricultural practices to promote efficiency, profitability and quality of production.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2025/2026 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,750 in the first year and approximately $1,000 in the second year.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent)
- Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent)
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20 OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
Application Information
BUSINESS - AGRICULTURE
Program Code 1938X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
It is strongly recommended that students use a PC. Mac students may be required to install and learn additional software to successfully complete the courseprogram.
Specific Laddering Opportunities:
The Business-Agriculture program shares several common, core courses with other Business Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas at Algonquin College. As such, graduates of Algonquin Business Certificates and Diplomas who are admitted into the Business-Agriculture program, can receive credit for several shared courses. Likewise, graduates of the Business-Agriculture Diploma may apply to other Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma programs and receive credit for shared and equivalent courses. Algonquin College School of Business programs that share several common core courses include Diplomas in Business-Accounting, Marketing and Management and Entrepreneurship as well as Advanced Diplomas in Business Administration- Accounting, Finance, General Business, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing or Supply Chain and Operations Management.