Classes for the new Bachelor of Technology degree program in agricultural entrepreneurship will begin in the fall of 2019. This new program is designed to provide tomorrow’s agricultural entrepreneurs with the skills to make local agriculture economically viable through the application of traditional production practices and the development of value-added (VA) products.
Students will take production courses to build a strong foundation in agriculture, value-added courses to develop non-traditional agriculture skills, and business courses to understand marketing and financial management.
The program will appeal to both traditional students who come from a farm background, and to those who are new to agriculture. Students will become prepared to be successful in their efforts to improve the profitability of an existing farm, or start a new agricultural venture of their own.
A variety of different jobs will be available for Alfred State agricultural entrepreneurship graduates, including manager or owner of a commercial farm; agricultural credit officer; warehouse manager for farm chemicals, feed, seed, and fertilizers; and more.
Dr. Phil Schroeder, chair of the Agriculture and Veterinary Technology Department and coordinator of the new program, stated, “We are very excited to offer a baccalaureate degree in agriculture and believe it will greatly enhance educational opportunities for students from western New York and beyond.”
Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of Alfred State, said, “Exciting things are happening in our Agriculture and Veterinary Technology Department, from the addition of in-demand majors such as agricultural entrepreneurship, to the diversifying of our College Farm. I thank everyone who made this new program possible.”
Dr. Kristin Poppo, provost at Alfred State, said, “The agricultural entrepreneurship BTech is an innovative new program that prepares students for a wide range of opportunities, from focusing on value-added products on the family farm to being part of the corporate agricultural industry. The college’s largely renovated farm, including an organic dairy and meat production, will provide exceptional applied learning experiences.”
Dr. Daniel Katz, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, said, “This landmark program enhances Alfred State’s historic mission to support the agricultural economy of our region and beyond as it increases the opportunities for our students. The BTech in agricultural entrepreneurship grounds us in our traditions and highlights the future for the college.”
