Agriculture Industry Outlook

• The agriculture industry will experience significant growth

• Farming and agricultural jobs are projected to be among the largest growing sectors by 2030

• Increased demand for skilled workers emerges from climate change, population growth, and the need for sustainable food production

Focus of the Report

• The rapidly growing agricultural sector is expected to be a leading job market by 2030
• Tasks include presenting current trends in farming and agricultural work
• Conducting job analysis to cover skills, licenses, qualifications, and competencies for industry success
• An evaluation of workforce needs in agriculture are also part of the study

Technology-Driven Agriculture (Precision Farming)

• Advanced technologies such as drones, IoT sensors, AI, and robotics transform farming through precision agriculture
• Data analytics are used to monitor crops, soil, weather, and irrigation in real time, improving efficiency

Skills for Precision Agriculture Specialist

• Technical skills include proficiency in drone operation, IoT sensor expertise, AI and machine learning platforms, GIS, and remote sensing
• Analytical skills involve data interpretation, predictive modeling, and problem-solving
• Mechanical and operational skills needed are equipment maintenance and knowledge of automation systems
• Soft skills involve communication, collaboration, adaptability, and lifelong learning
• Environmental and sustainability awareness includes resource optimization and climate adaptation
• Business acumen involves cost-benefit analysis and market awareness

Licenses/Certifications for Precision Agriculture Specialist

• Certification in Precision Agriculture may be acquired from agricultural universities, institutes, or professional organizations
• FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License (or equivalent) is required to legally operate drones for commercial purposes
• Training in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to gain certification in GIS tools like ArcGIS or QGIS for mapping and spatial analysis
• Certification in IoT (Internet of Things) Technologies, training in IoT platforms for real-time monitoring of soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop health
• Certification in Agricultural Data Analytics, including programs focusing on AI, machine learning, and big data analytics tailored for agriculture

Qualifications for Precision Agriculture Specialist

• Educational qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree as a minimum requirement
• Advanced Degrees are preferred for leadership or research roles
• Vocational Training and Certifications include certification in precision agriculture, FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License (or Equivalent), training in GIS and Remote Sensing, and certification in Agricultural Technology
• On-the-job experience involves hands-on experience with farming technologies as well as experience in data analysis

Competencies for Precision Agriculture Specialist

• Problem-solving skills are required to troubleshoot technical issues with drones, sensors, or software
• Physical stamina is needed to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform demanding tasks
• Adaptability is key to adjusting to rapid technological advancements and changing environmental conditions
• Teamwork is crucial for collaboration with agronomists, engineers, and other stakeholders for integrated decision-making
• Attention to detail is important for ensuring accuracy in data collection and analysis for optimal farming outcomes
• Lifelong learning mindset is an asset as one stays up to date with precision agriculture

Sustainability and Climate Adaptation

• Sustainable farming practices like organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and agroforestry are becoming more popular
• Governments and organizations support these eco-friendly methods to combat climate change and protect the environment
• A Sustainable Farming job title is Sustainable Farming Consultant

Skills required for a Sustainable Farming Consultant

• Technical Skills
• Environmental Science
• Business Acumen
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
• Technical Proficiency
• Regulatory Awareness
• Project Management
• Networking & Collaboration

Licenses/Certifications for a Sustainable Farming Consultant

• Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC): Demonstrates expertise in designing sustainable agricultural systems based on ecological principles
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA): Focuses on crop management, soil health, and sustainable practices to optimize farm productivity
• Organic Certification (e.g., USDA Organic, EU Organic): Validates knowledge of organic farming standards and practices for chemical-free agriculture
• Regenerative Agriculture Certification: Highlights skills in soil regeneration, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem restoration
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Certification: Covers sustainable pest control methods to minimize environmental impact
• Soil Health Specialist Certification: Focuses on techniques to improve soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity
• Agroecology Certification: Combines ecological science with sustainable farming practices to create resilient food systems
• Water Management Certification: Demonstrates proficiency in efficient irrigation, water conservation, and watershed management
• Food Safety Certification (e.g., GLOBALG.A.P., SQF): Ensures compliance with safe and sustainable food production standards
• LEED Green Associate (optional for broader sustainability focus): Provides foundational knowledge in green building and sustainable resource management, applicable to farm infrastructure

Qualifications for a Sustainable Farming Consultant

• Educational Background: Degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field (Bachelor’s minimum; Master’s preferred)
• Coursework or certifications in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, soil health, and resource management
• Practical Experience: Hands-on experience in farming or agricultural projects (minimum 2-5 years)
• Familiarity with organic certification processes and compliance standards
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Capacity to assess farm operations and provide actionable, cost-effective solutions
• Skilled in identifying environmental risks and implementing mitigation strategies
• Passion for Sustainability: Commitment to environmental stewardship and promoting eco-friendly farming methods

Competencies for a Sustainable Farming Consultant

• Soil Health Management
• Water Resource Management
• Crop Rotation & Diversification
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Agroecology Principles
• Climate Adaptation Strategies
• Renewable Energy Integration
• Financial Planning for Sustainabiliy
• Supply Chain & Market Knowledge
• Policy Awareness

Urban and Vertical Farming

• Urban and vertical farming involves rooftop gardens and community farms, growing in popularity in crowded cities
• Urban and vertical farming use hydroponics and aeroponics improving food security while using minimal land
• A trending job title is Urban Farming Manager

Skills Required for Urban Farming Manager

• Technical Skills
• Sustainability Practices
• Crop Management
• Business and Project Management Skills
• Community Engagement
• Data Analysis and Technology
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability
• Leadership and Communication
• Regulatory Awareness

Licenses/Certifications for Urban Farming Manager

• Certified Urban Agriculture Professional (CUAP) focuses on sustainable urban farming practices, resource management, and community engagement
• Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) provides knowledge of sustainable design principles for efficient urban and vertical farming systems
• Food Safety Certification (e.g., ServSafe or HACCP) ensures compliance with food safety regulations, especially if the farms produce edible crops
• Hydroponics/Aquaponics Certification: Specialized training in soilless farming techniques, which are integral to vertical farming
• LEED Green Associate demonstrates expertise in sustainable building practices, useful for integrating farms into urban environments
• Pesticide Applicator License (if applicable): Required if managing farms that use chemical pest control, though organic methods are preferred in urban farming
• Local Business License or Agricultural Permit: Often required by municipalities to operate an urban farm legally

Qualifications for Urban Farming Manager

• One should have a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or related fields
• Additional certifications in Urban Agriculture, Sustainable Farming, or Hydroponics/Aquaponics are highly desirable
• A minimum of 2–5 years of hands-on experience in urban or vertical farming is required
• One should be able to showcase a proven track record of managing small-to medium-scale farming operations

Competencies for Urban Farming Manager

• Technology Proficiency
• Project Management
• Business Acumen
• Innovation & Creativity
• Marketing & Sales

Focus on Food Security and Nutrition

• Increasing populations and shifting diets drive the need for nutrient-rich crops and alternative proteins like plant-based meats to enhance food security and nutrition
• A trending job title is Nutritional Crop Developer

Skills Required for Nutritional Crop Developer

• Agronomy and Crop Science Expertise
• Nutritional Science Knowledge
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
• Sustainability and Climate Adaptation
• Collaboration and Communication
• Project Management
• Policy and Advocacy Awareness
• Cultural Sensitivity

Licenses/Certifications for Nutritional Crop Developer

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is essential to have if the role involves creating crops tailored to nutritional needs or advising on dietary impacts

• Pesticide Applicator License should be acquired if responsible for handling pesticides or herbicides during crop development

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification is highly required in order to ensure compliance with food safety standards in crop production

• Soil Science Certification is relevant for roles focused on improving soil fertility and crop yield

• Food Safety Certification (e.g., HACCP, SQF, or FSSC 22000) is critical for ensuring crops meet global food safety standards

• Master Gardener Certification is an optional but useful certification that provides foundational knowledge in horticulture and sustainable practices

• Organic Crop Certification is required when developing organic crops or working with organic farming systems

• Professional Agronomist License (PAg) is a professional designation for agronomists involved in crop science and food security and its requirements vary by country or region

Qualifications for Nutritional Crop Developer

• Has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agricultural Science, Plant Biology, Crop Science, Nutrition, or a related field with a Ph.D. preferred for advanced research roles
• Should have experience of at least 2–5 years working in crop development, agricultural research, or food security initiatives
• Should have a proven track record in developing or improving nutritionally enhanced crops (e.g., biofortified crops)
• Needs to know and understand global and regional food security challenges and understand malnutrition issues and ways to address them through crop development
• Must have a hands-on experience working in agricultural fields or rural communities to test and implement crop solutions
• Must be familiar with biosafety regulations and compliance for genetically modified or biofortified crops if such solutions are applicable or in use

Competencies for Nutritional Crop Developer

• Systems Thinking
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving
• Communication Skills
• Sustainability Awareness