What is a Major in Agricultural & Resource Economics?

Become a leader in the agriculture industry by learning to apply economic tools and strategic thinking to the production, processing, marketing, financing and consumption aspects of the agri-food and resource industries. You will also develop practical and analytical skills to prepare you for a wide variety of policy and marketing issues. 

This stream will allow you to:

  • Make an impact on how our society consumes and uses natural resources
  • Influence decisions and policies around food production, and processing 
  • Help shape the future of agriculture and food industries, by applying scientific and economic knowledge

This program will also set you up to pursue accreditation as a professional agrologist (P.Ag.) after you graduate.

 
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Featured Courses

Exploring Field Crop Agronomy (PL SC 210)

Introduction to basic agronomy of western Canadian field crops. Students will experience agronomic practices, crop equipment and technology hands-on. Extended field trip prior to the start of classes.

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Current Economic Issues for Agriculture and Food (AREC 200)

Applications of economic principles to problems and current issues relating to agriculture, food and the environment. Highlighted in the discussion is the role of relevant groups within the agricultural sector, including producers, consumers, government and other agencies/institutions. 

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Natural Resource Economics (AREC 365)

Economics of natural resources, including resource scarcity, conservation, sustainability, water resource issues, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, recycling, property and tenure institutions, and public resource policy.

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Financial Management in Resource Industries (AREC 433)

Recent theoretical and empirical developments in finance are applied to natural resource industries including agribusiness, farming, forestry and food. Emphasis on capital budgeting, financial risk, and associated topics for long-run investment planning in smaller business enterprises. 

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Feature Careers

Management Consultants are contracted by organizations to provide independent and objective advice. They help organizations achieve their objectives by solving problems, identifying new opportunities, enhancing learning, and implementing change. Average Salary: $99,558

Environmental Economists study the effects of environmental policies on the economy. They use economic theory to design economic policies and assess their effects on the environment. Their goal is to help create policies that protect and enhance environmental quality at the lowest cost to society.

Source: Government of Alberta, Occupations in Alberta

 

Careers

  • Agri-Business Management
  • Agriculture Specialist
  • Agrologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Food Processing Plant Supervisor
  • Marketing Manager
  • Plant / Animal / Soil Scientist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Production Specialist
  • Regulatory Affairs Advisor
  • Sales and Marketing Manager

Check out the U of A's Agriculture Career Guide for more options.

 

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