Bachelor of Commerce and Science - Agricultural Innovation

The University of Otago

The Agricultural Innovation programme is designed to develop future leaders in agriculture. The focus is on science and technology, but you will also gain an understanding and appreciation for agriculture in broader contexts including economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects.Government projections are that there will be 50,000 additional skilled jobs generated within the agricultural sector by 2050. Agricultural Innovation has been developed to produce graduates with specialist but diverse skills for a career in agriculture or the rural sector.Agricultural Innovation focuses on the major issues in agriculture that impact food production, security, safety and quality. The programme explores the innovative changes in agriculture required to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, greenhouse gas emissions, and degradation of soil and water quality. Teaching focuses on the agricultural and industrial processes that drive food production systems necessary to guarantee food security in a world with ever-increasing demands for food. You will learn how innovation is used to advance economic, societal, and ethical goals, such as increasing the monetary and nutritional value of food while reducing the negative environmental impacts. Māori perspectives relating to agriculture and the importance of Māori throughout the primary sector will be woven into the fabric of the course, providing students with an ethical framework and guidelines for engagement.