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How to Find A Job in Agriculture

To get hired in the field of agriculture, there is no special education required. However, some jobs in that field do require some training in order for you to work more effectively. Agriculture isn't just working with plants. It includes farmers who grow produce or who breed animals in order to earn their living. These farmers need skilled workers to operate their large operations.

People tend to overlook how many people it took to get the meal to their table. Farmers have to care for cows, growing feed, there are people who take milk from farms to be processed so we can drink it or eat it as cheese, butter and other dairy products. Agriculture isn't just about livestock, soybeans, or corn. Workers are also needed for fish farming, sugar and fruit production and processing, ecology and various other things that have been modernized by agriculture.

Agriculture is a complex business and there are many positions in agriculture for those who are interested. Payment for these positions depends upon a worker's skill, the size of the operation and the job requirements. Also, if it's outdoor work, it may be seasonal. This work may be more flexible for the worker's schedule. When getting started on your agricultural career, you'll need to create a resume with a list of your experience in agriculture. It's not typical for agricultural worker to be educated, but your level of education might equal a better job for you. Apply for a job according to your education level.

If you have a technical certification for equipment operation or other credentials that farmers may find useful, be sure to mention that. There are also many jobs that don't require outdoor work. You can find these by looking online.

You can find careers in agriculture by going to AgricultureJobs.org for a variety of agricultural listings. Here, you'll find a database just for those who want an agricultural career.

If you can't find what you want on that site, you can always check with the American Farmers Association. They provide a state-by-state guide to helping you find careers in agriculture. When you are finally matched up with an employer, the interview process can begin, and then you'll be considered for the agricultural position. Pretty soon, you may just be working in the agricultural careers.

Career in Agriculture in Pakistan

Agriculture and its allied profession are not merely source of employment but a complete way of life in countries like Pakistan. The future of a career in this field in Pakistan is very bright. One can find farming jobs very easily after successfully completing a degree programme in this field. Pakistan basically is an agricultural country and there needs a great number of experts. Employment normally available in the villages where research institutions have been established by the government. Therefore, Jobs opportunities in this field are normally offered by the government organizations.

Future outlook of jobs

Nobody can refuse the importance of agriculture and its allied fields. More than 80 % people in Pakistan are directly or indirectly connected to this field. Numerous industries which depend on the raw material have been set up. Trained agricultural scientists are badly needed for such industries. There is no single scientist who has to wait for job for more than 6 month because there are ample opportunities available in government and private organizations. A united nation sister organization i.e. FAO Organization is working on the research for the prosperity in the field of agriculture. The regional office of this organization offers Openings for Pakistani agriculture scientists time by time. Grade 17 jobs in government organizations are offered to the BSc (Hons) in agriculture degree holder in this field. BSc degree holders have opportunities to work in the following organization:

WAPDA, Seed Corporation of Pakistan, Water Management Project, Agriculture Development Bank, Agricultural Research Council, PCSIR, Central Cotton Committee, Military Food Laboratory, CDA, Malaria Prevention Programme, Rural Development Programme, agriculture allied industries, livestock growth centers, Dairy Farms, Personal Business, Agricultural Development Corporation, Feed of Livestock, Feed Making Industries.

Degree Programme

B.Sc
M.Sc

Eligibility/Admission Criteria

Intermediate Science (pre-medical) for B.Sc program

Agriculture Universities and Colleges in Pakistan

Following institutions offered various degree programmes and training schemes in the field of agriculture and allied branches:

Sindh Agricultural University, TendoJam
N.W.F.P University, Peshawar
Barani Agriculture College, Rawalpindi
Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan
University College for Agriculture, Rawla Cot, AJK
College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore
Forest Institute, Peshawar

Those who choose agri-career merely for job purpose do not remain successful. Agriculture and allied industries are suitable career choice for those youth who select this field as a way of life. Normally those youths choose this profession who belong to the rural areas of Pakistan. In the urbane areas, student selects other career options like computer science, engineering or medicine.

For Career Guidance in Pakistan

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The Anatomy of Life and Energy in Agriculture

The energies in fertilizers and in the cosmos do not often move needles, but they preside over crop production. As this manual makes clear, through learning to tap and use "life-force energy" it is possible to develop food production practices that are both high quality and nondestructive. Since high sugar and mineral levels confer immunity to bacterial, insect and fungal attack, a complete Brix chart on crops is included. Andersen’s chapters outline in detail the difference between deadly slow-kill agribusiness farming and farming as it should be.

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The Need for Sustainable Agriculture

The green revolution was a period of extreme innovation that occurred in agriculture predominantly in the 1960's and 1970's, although commenced in the 1940's. During this period huge amounts of research and development were undertaken that increased agricultural productivity significantly, the benefits of which we continue to enjoy today. Initiatives included the development of higher yielding crop varieties, the introduction of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides as well as improving and modernising farm management.

It was these innovations that enabled more food security in the developed world than previously possible. Huge yields were achieved from relatively small areas of land, making food easy to come by in the developed world for most people. As modern farming practices developed, the need for sustainable agriculture was broadened from economic and food sustainability to environmental and social sustainability. While the level of investment in agricultural research and development has been substantially reduced since the green revolution, the knowledge within the sector has greatly increased and agricultural businesses have adjusted their practices to deliver agriculture sustainability.

Sustainable agriculture program

Today all agricultural industries including grains, horticulture, fisheries, sugar and meat are concerned with sustainable agriculture. Agriculture land is not as plentiful as it was during the green revolution and to ensure the sustainability of the industries and importantly the global food supply, sustainable agriculture practices have to be at the forefront of everything the food industry does. In Australia research and development corporations, that represent farmers, invest in research and development to improve the sustainable agricultural practices. Often this is jointly funded with the federal government.

There are also plenty of agriculture schools, primary and secondary as well as sustainable agriculture courses that equip people for careers agriculture. Agricultural jobs are a lot more varied than often thought, with fields in science, engineering, exporting, international relations and e-commerce.

Sustainable agriculture is not just a buzz phrase in countries like Australia, but rather is essential business. With limited arable land, limited water and increasing climatic variability and extreme weather events improving sustainable agricultural practices is fundamental to the future success of the industry and to the worlds food supply.

Without an increase in investment in research and development the advances of the green revolution might not be enough to ensure that people continue to enjoy food security.

Sustainable farm

A sustainable farm has to be able to produce food without depleting the natural resources required to grow more produce in the future. As practices have evolved and knowledge about sustainable farming practices have expanded farmers have become aware that they are responsible for much more than their crops and animals. Where once farmers grazed animals, today sustainable livestock farmers think about themselves as managing three living ecosystems: their animals; the grass and groundcover that animals need to eat to survive and the soils which ultimately is the most important element to manage. Without good soil health sustainable farming can not exist. If soil health is depleted the grass or crops won't grow as well. Environmental degradation on the farm and in the surrounding areas is also a reality if soil health is not a focus of sustainable farming. Without good soil health the structure of the soil can be compromised leading to dust storms and also run off of top soil in heavy rains into waterways.

Agriculture irrigation

Some sectors of agriculture rely heavily on irrigation, such as rice and cotton. Other industries like soy, horticulture, grains and cattle grazing also use some irrigation. Modern irrigation spread widely with the green revolution as a way to produce food in areas that didn't have natural or adequate rain flow to support crops, although irrigation can be traced back to early Egyptian times.

Irrigation is somewhat of a polarising subject, particularly in areas of water scarcity. There are concerns that water is being diverted from its natural course, which has environmental impacts downstream. However others argue that without irrigation in some parts of the world that sustainable agriculture would not be possible. The debate is slowly moving towards finding a point where both objectives can be met to deliver sustainable agriculture and sustainable river and water systems downstream from where the agriculture irrigation is occurring.

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The Safety of Our Food Supply Is in the Hands of Agriculture Workers

Many people are not aware of the enormous role that agricultural workers play in our daily lives. It is obvious that the fruits and vegetables that we eat come from farms. However, agriculture jobs affect far more aspects of the typical diet than solely plant matter. The animals that we consume eat grains that are cultivated by farmers. Even the most processed foods such as cookies and crackers contain farm-grown products, and many preserved foods utilize agriculturally-derived products to sustain the substances' nutrients and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Agriculture jobs are therefore extremely important in protecting our world's food supply. While we might not exclusively consume fruits and vegetables, all of our food products are linked in some way to the farms.

The most typical agriculture job that people associate with this field is that of the basic farmer. Society's modern farmers do not receive nearly the amount of credit that they deserve. These workers labor long hours in oftentimes harsh conditions in order to provide the general public with the sustenance that it needs, and although industrial machines are replacing the jobs of many agricultural farmers, these people still play an enormous role in protecting the world's food supply.

However, not all agricultural jobs involve the planting and harvesting that most people envision when discussing this area of study. Agricultural scientists are immensely important in providing society with the food that it needs. These scientists study crops and livestock in order to discover more efficient methods of farming. Pest control methods, sustainability, and environmental impact are also researched extensively to ensure that farm products can still be provided to the world's citizens in the years to come. These scientists perform numerous experiments to try to discover new compounds that can be safely consumed or added to the soil to improve crop yield. In recent years, agricultural scientists have increased the world's crop yield by an astounding percentage. Their work in creating new agricultural methods to make farming more accessible to be people in rough environments also helps to eliminate worldwide hunger.

Whether the agriculture job involves complex scientific research or the simple maintenance of a field of crops, workers in this field are incredibly important to the welfare of modern society. Without the hard labor of farmers and agricultural scientists, we would not be able to produce enough food to sustain the world's population.

Agricultural jobs play a central role in ensuring the health of the world's people. One search for all agriculture jobs at AgricultureJobs.org

From the Farm to the Table: What All Americans Need to Know about Agriculture (Culture of the Land)

As with other areas of human industry, it has been assumed that technological progress would improve all aspects of agriculture. Technology would increase both efficiency and yield, or so we thought. The directions taken by technology may have worked for a while, but the same technologies that give us an advantage also create disadvantages. It's now a common story in rural America: pesticides, fertilizers, "big iron" combines, and other costly advancements may increase speed but also reduce efficiency, while farmers endure debt, dangerous working conditions, and long hours to pay for the technology. Land, livelihood, and lives are lost in an effort to keep up and break even. There is more to this story that affects both the food we eat and our provisions for the future. Too many Americans eat the food on their plates with little thought to its origin and in blind faith that government regulations will protect them from danger. While many Americans might have grown up in farming families, there are fewer family-owned farms with each passing generation. Americans are becoming disconnected from understanding the sources and content of their food. The farmers interviewed in From the Farm to the Table can help reestablish that connection. Gary Holthaus illuminates the state of American agriculture today, particularly the impact of globalization, through the stories of farmers who balance traditional practices with innovative methods to meet market demands. Holthaus demonstrates how the vitality of America's communities is bound to the successes and failures of its farmers. In From the Farm to the Table, farmers explain how their lives and communities have changed as they work to create healthy soil, healthy animals, and healthy food in a context of often inappropriate federal policy, growing competition from abroad, public misconceptions regarding government subsidies, the dangers of environmental damage and genetically modified crops, and the myths of modern economics. Rather than predicting doom and despair for small American growers, Holthaus shows their hope and the practical solutions they utilize. As these farmers tell their stories, "organic" and "sustainable" farming become real and meaningful. As they share their work and their lives, they reveal how those concepts affect the food we eat and the land on which it's grown, and how vital farming is to the American economy.

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What is an Agricultural Inspector?

People who find satisfaction and pleasure in dealing with nature particularly animals, livestock and the like would definitely discover that being an agricultural inspector is a career suited for them. This is generally considered a green job because of its direct interaction and care for animals, plants and other forms of natural resources. Most important and relevant in agricultural countries or states, this job is definitely something that requires a lot of dedication, knowledge and passion for this particular craft.

The career outlook for an agricultural inspector should be plentiful. They make on average $31-$49 thousand a year.

What is an agricultural inspector?

This job is potentially endorsed and provided mainly by the Department of Agriculture as part of the agency's advocacy for health and proper stewardship of the natural resources. In line with the nature of their work, inspectors are responsible for making sure that agri-businesses and companies strictly comply with the different regulations and laws provided by the state and federal government. These would generally be covering the safety of meat and its processes, poultry, egg, vegetable and fruits productions must likewise follow and adhere with certain standards before they would be marketed to the general public or consumers. In short agricultural inspectors are the main figures that protect the public's welfare and health from any food-related illnesses and diseases.

Depending on the level of the inspector, there job description would differently vary from mere inspection, testing and sampling of the different agricultural products to giving of necessary supervision, training and guidance which are often delegated to senior inspectors or high level agricultural inspectors. Some of the manual works that these professionals may also do are lifting of different weights up to 100 pounds which they need to perform their tasks and obligations.

For senior agricultural inspectors, they are obliged to ensure that businesses are complying with the standards set by the department thus regular visitation and inspections must be done on these companies in an actual or ocular basis. One concrete example is when inspector would go to the actual plant where livestock products are processed and get samples for testing and quality assurance. This likewise applies to the grains and vegetable products which are also tested for quality and chemical levels.

What are the requirements for the job?

Several of the positions required for this job would look for bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges mostly leaning towards biology or agricultural science. Depending on the type of job, some are requiring four-year courses while others do not necessarily need graduates with these credentials to qualify. Furthermore, potential inspectors must undergo intensive trainings and skill development to improve their craft and knowledge about their work. This would not only include sufficient knowledge on the biological and agricultural area but also with laws and regulations regarding agriculture. Most importantly, candidates must have actual field experiences in order to support their other credentials thus working on a meat-processing plant or farm would be great additional incentives in order to get a slot in the agricultural inspection industry.

Green jobs are indeed timely and noble careers that are potentially growing in demand and are now widely recognized. Being an agricultural inspector is one remarkable career that encompasses every passion and care for nature and protection to the consuming public.

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Field Guide to California Agriculture (California Natural History Guides)

Anyone who travels California's byways sees the many faces of agriculture. A huge entwined business, farming and ranching are the state's dominant land use. Yet few Californians understand what animals and crops are raised or how agriculture reflects our relationship with nature. This fascinating and gorgeously illustrated field guide gathers essential information about agriculture and its environmental context, and answers the perennial question posed by California travelers: "What is that, and why is it growing here?" Paul F. Starrs's lively text explores the full range of the state's agriculture, deftly balancing agribusiness triumphalism with the pride of boutique producers, sketching meanwhile the darker shadows that can envelop California farming. Documented with diverse maps and Peter Goin's insightful photographs, A Field Guide to California Agriculture captures the industry's energy and ingenuity and its wildly diverse iconography, from the mysteries of forbidden crops (like marijuana) to the majesties of scale in food production.

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The Importance of Agriculture

Agriculture usually plays a vital role in the economy of every nation that exists. Not only for the reason that it tends to feed the entire population of a country but also in the respect that agriculture correlates and interacts with all the related industries of that country. A country is usually considered to be a social and politically stable nation if it possesses a very stable agricultural basis.

A stable agricultural industry ensures a country of food security. Food security is considered to be one of the primary requirements of any nation. No nation can effectively grow with a stable agricultural base while harboring a nation of "hungry people", as these hungry people can do nothing what-so-ever towards helping develop their country. Food security prevents starvation which has traditionally been considered one of the largest problems being experienced by the small developing nations. Most countries depend upon agricultural products and related industries for their major source of income. Even the newly developing countries will find that they depend upon and can benefit greatly from their agricultural industry.

Aside from the crops and animals that are produced by the farmers who make up a country agricultural sector the agricultural field represents the main source of employment within most countries. The larger farms usually find it necessary to hire additional hands in which to successfully cultivate the lands and to take care of the related farm animals. Most of these large farms have processing plants located in nearby facilities for finalizing their agricultural products and developing the by-products. It goes without saying that these sub-industries employ considerable man-power within their operations. Most of the modern farms and agriculture-related industries make good use of today's modern equipment as well as the principles of science and technology.

The use of technologies in farming is determines by the competence of the various farmers towards coping with these advancements relating to the technologies. The country's farmers who can utilize the modern technologies involved with farming can assure a good production of their products which benefits their country as a whole. Modern farming technologies would be useless if the farmers are not competent enough to use any of the technology that they have available to them.

Most of the older industrialized cites have begun their growth primarily through the development of agriculture. These cities have done well on an agriculture basis before they fully begun to embrace the industrialization process. Most of the principles currently in use within our modern businesses have their roots stemming from the principles of agriculture. Bulk manufacturing is one of the practices that have been patterned from the seasoned harvesting often found in the area of agricultural practices. This method has saved many ancient cities from destruction during times of plague and drought. During the ancient times the countries harvested crops which were not merely used for immediate consumption but were often harvested and stored for future use. The same thing is practiced within the modern business procedures to ensure its stability.

Agriculture is usually common in rural areas which have the most arable lands, however with the modern technologies involved in farming agricultural activities are totally possible even in the urban areas. These activities can be accomplished to sustain personal or family needs or even for commercial purposes.

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Essays in Natural History and Agriculture

Essays in Natural History and Agriculture is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Thomas Garnett is in the English language, and may not include graphics or images from the original edition. If you enjoy the works of Thomas Garnett then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection.

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Crack-down on illegal fisheries imminent; more questions mount on fishery subsidies

Illegal drift net operations targeting bluefin tuna have been taken down in the Italian islands of Sicily and Ponza by undercover fisheries inspectors from Brussels, the Financial Times reports. Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, may decide to launch infringement procedures against Italy in the European Court of Justice. Full report on the story is available directly from Financial Times (link below).

Complete drift net usage of any size has been banned in the European Union (EU) in 2002, however since 1998, about 97 million Euros has been allocated for subsidies for conversion to other gear types, according to a report, ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: The case of ItalIan Illegal driftnet. The report further reveals that due to lack of transparency in allocation of EU funding mechanisms and traceability of aid to individual owners in the fishery sector, the total amounts of subsidies paid out are suspected to be much higher; however, concrete amounts are unknown.

The recent Italian crack-down of the Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, demonstrate that  recipients of subsidies dedicated to eradicating drift nets (just one example) have been in full force, not only targeting endangered species but knowingly breaking the law and abusing European Union financial mechanisms aimed for strengthening, not breaking, any hopes for an environmentally sustainable fisheries sector.  How many other corrupted systems are there at the Member State (MS) level?

The ineffectiveness, misallocation, misuse and abuse of fisheries subsidies in the European Union is rampant and unacceptable, and needs to be dealt with within this upcoming Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform, scheduled for 2013. Matters pertaining to IUU need to be urgently addressed in equal measure. It is worth mentioning that sanctions and penalties for illegal fisheries are negligible at the EU level. In many Member States fishery control mechanisms are weak and inspections rare, where many infringements are simply ignored by local authorities.

Currently, subsides within the sector of agriculture and fisheries amount to more than 40% of the total EU budget.

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Hugh’s FISH fight wins a BAFTA award

The 2011 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) recognized Fish Fight, an incredibly successful and political TV campaign aiming to put an end to discards, with an award in the ‘Features’ category.

Led by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Hugh’s Fish Fight, as it is commonly known, aims to ensure individual consumers diversify their fish choices while promoting an effective 2012 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) that ends discards once and for all.

The campaign has already been endorsed by more than 676,000 people. It is hoped it will reach 1 million supporters, whose names will be included in a letter to Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Members of European Parliament (MEPs), with a plea for a discard ban in European waters.

On May 3rd, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall attended the ‘Stakeholder Hearing on Discards’ at the European Parliament, and called for an end to this unsustainable and wasteful practice.

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Eating Fossil Fuels: Oil, Food and the Coming Crisis in Agriculture

The miracle of the Green Revolution was made possible by cheap fossil fuels to supply crops with artificial fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation. Estimates of the net energy balance of agriculture in the United States show that ten calories of hydrocarbon energy are required to produce one calorie of food. Such an imbalance cannot continue in a world of diminishing hydrocarbon resources.
 
Eating Fossil Fuels examines the interlinked crises of energy and agriculture and highlights some startling findings:
 
• The worldwide expansion of agriculture has appropriated fully 40 percent of the photosynthetic capability of this planet.
• The Green Revolution provided abundant food sources for many, resulting in a population explosion well in excess of the planet’s carrying capacity.
• Studies suggest that without fossil fuel-based agriculture, the United States could only sustain about two-thirds of its present population. For the planet as a whole, the sustainable number is estimated to be about two billion.
 
Concluding that the effect of energy depletion will be disastrous without a transition to a sustainable, re-localized agriculture, the book draws on the experiences of North Korea and Cuba to demonstrate stories of failure and success in the transition to non-hydrocarbon-based agriculture. It urges strong grassroots activism for sustainable, localized agriculture and a natural shrinking of the world’s population.

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The Many Faces of Agriculture

Agriculture is a very important activity for the survival of human beings on this earth. This is clearly reflected in the very basic fact that agriculture is one of the oldest activities of humankind. The term 'agriculture' includes both the cultivation of crops and the domestication of animals.

As the most profound resource, agriculture provides food, clothing and shelter to us. With the spread of knowledge of the most advanced implements, there has been immense progress in the spread of agriculture, as well as agricultural output. The use of agricultural machinery, scientific methods of farming and diversification of crops have improved the overall production of agricultural crops the world over.

The study of agriculture is important because it has been classified into different agricultural types, each with its unique characteristic features. These varied types are:-

i) Shifting cultivation - Also known as 'slash and burn agriculture', this method of agriculture is important because it is subsistence 'primitive' farming. Practiced mostly by tribal nomads, this farming involves the clearing of forests for cultivation purposes. Generally, root crops are grown, like - millets, cassava, yams, rice or maize.

ii) Extensive agriculture - This is 'commercial' type of farming, important due to agro products, which are 'market oriented'. The large quantities of food grains are grown basically for sale. Most of the farms are highly mechanized. The main areas of extensive agriculture in the world are - 'Steppe lands' of Russia, 'Prairies' of Canada and US, 'Pampas' of Argentina, and 'Downs' of Australia.

iii) Plantation farming - A 'Monoculture' type of farming, it is the practice of 'specialization' of one crop in large estates. The product is processed before it is marketed, and this is quite a profitable venture in the international market. The important crops are - cocoa, coffee, tea, rubber and sugarcane.

iv) Mixed farming - In this, crops are grown and cattle are reared, side by side, on 'moderately' large farms. Remnant parts of crops serve as animal fodder, and dung is used for fertilizing the soil. The importance of this type of agriculture is that the farmer can supplement his income from the sale of a variety of farm products.

v) Truck farming - This agricultural activity involves the cultivation of vegetables away from the market. Vegetables are supplied to urban markets in trucks, to cater to the needs of the people living in towns and cities. It is essentially an intensive type of farming.

One more important type of agriculture is - 'Horticulture'. This is the growing of fruits and flowers! However, the foundation of this type of farming lies in the efficient system of transport. While all the Mediterranean countries specialize in fruit cultivation, the Netherlands is world famous for its cultivation of beautiful tulips!

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Agricultural Mortgage Company

An agricultural mortgage company is a type of agricultural mortgage lender, which provides specialized services in agricultural mortgage loans. Such a company is generally defined as an organization, or a group of people with stated functional objectives, that offers financial services especially for rural development. These financial bodies have experience in providing loans and mortgages for rural economic and social development.

The rural mortgages company is structured with an aim to contribute in the total development of the village society of a country. This means, the financial bodies are not only responsible to offer their help to the farmers, but also to other people who are trying to invest in rural development. After the sharp rise of urban-centric industrial development, these organizations have been built with some basic governmental initiatives to revitalize the agrarian society and its lost zeal. The agricultural mortgages company provides financial help both for purchasing of new property or for developing or improving the existing property.

The agricultural finance company not only offers its services to the farmers for buying lands or machines to set or expand agricultural business, but to different sectors like horticulture, equestrian or other rural businesses. There are also entities such as rural finance company that help in financing rural shops, road development, landscape development, irrigation system or renewable energy resource usage programs etc.

This wide variety of services can only be found in a specialized rural mortgage company. There are various financial organizations that may come to you with customized plans of agricultural loans. But most of them do not have the specialized knowledge of rural mortgage financing. In 1928 with the Agricultural Credits Act there were born few professional companies like Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, UK which were licensed dealers in rural financial products. One of their various services is providing mortgage financial services that help people to accumulate required capital for rural investment.

A mortgaged loan is a type of loan where a property is taken as the security of the loan. In case of any default in loan repayment, the lender holds the right to seize the secured property. By providing the property on mortgage, people can get hold of a lump sum to achieve their goals. But like all other mortgaged loans agricultural loans also carry few general characteristics -

The principal amount granted by these companies depends on the equity value of the mortgaged property, along with the borrower's credit record and income rate, the financial prospect of the project and few specific elements. After deciding on the principal amount, the mortgage companies estimate the mortgage rates. These are mainly two types -

* Fixed rate mortgages

* Variable rate mortgages

These two variations offer two distinct facilities. The mortgage interest rate also depends on the tenure period of the loan. It varies from 0 to 30 years. Along with these charges, an agricultural mortgage company can also ask for other fees as for processing, investigating, documentation and service charges.

There are also entities such as agricultural refinance company and rural refinance company, which offer refinancing mortgage options to fetch in the lowest available rate and the best benefits out of these loans. With a little research one can easily find out the best agricultural mortgage company.

if Financial Solutions [http://www.if-financial-solutions.co.uk/index.htm] offers financial services in various aspects.To know more CLICK Agricultural Mortgage Company [http://www.if-financial-solutions.co.uk/agricultural-mortgage-company.htm]

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The Golden Fish calls for ‘Environment First’!

“The Story of the Golden Fish”, a visually stunning street performance carried out during the 2011 European Maritime Day (EMD) on 20 May, captured the absurdity of the present European Union (EU) fisheries management and currently destructive fishing practices, and called for sustainable fisheries in a balanced ecosystem.

Starring Jacek Bozek, the founder of Klub Gaja and OCEAN2012 member, the event carried a powerful message of the need to stop overfishing, unless we want to invite the grim possibility of empty seas if fisheries continue to be mismanaged under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

The street performance was enjoyed by a healthy crowd of the EMD conference participants. Jacek Bozek, as the Golden Fish, welcomed Lowri Evans, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, to the second day of the EMD celebrations, just in front of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic in Gdansk.

Although the 2011 European Maritime Day failed to widely highlight the most pressing issues plaguing European fisheries today, the street performance highlighted overfishing as one of the key problems in the European fisheries sector, and the need to ensure a radical reform of the European fisheries management. The focus of the conference was centered on ‘people first’; however, without ‘environment first’, without the fish nature provides, there will be no fishermen and no coastal communities on which they depend.

Other stakeholder side events included a Greenpeace photo exhibit featuring coastal communities in Dziwnow, Poland,  a screening of  ’The End of the Line’, a documentary film inspired by author Charles Clover on global impact of overfishing organized by Federacja Zielonych Gaja,  in addition to a WWF panel discussion on spatial governance.

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Canned Fruit, Preserves, and Jellies; Household Methods of Preparation U.s. Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin No. 203

The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Canning and preserving

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American Agriculture in the Twentieth Century: How It Flourished and What It Cost

American agriculture in the twentieth century has given the world one of its great success stories, a paradigm of productivity and plenty. Yet the story has its dark side, from the plight of the Okies in the 1930s to the farm crisis of the 1980s to today's concerns about low crop prices and the impact of biotechnology. Looking at U.S. farming over the past century, Bruce Gardner searches out explanations for both the remarkable progress and the persistent social problems that have marked the history of American agriculture.

Gardner documents both the economic difficulties that have confronted farmers and the technological and economic transformations that have lifted them from relative poverty to economic parity with the nonfarm population. He provides a detailed analysis of the causes of these trends, with emphasis on the role of government action. He reviews how commodity support programs, driven by interest-group politics, have spent hundreds of billions of dollars to little purpose. Nonetheless, Gardner concludes that by reconciling competing economic interests while fostering productivity growth and economic integration of the farm and nonfarm economies, the overall twentieth-century role of government in American agriculture is fairly viewed as a triumph of democracy.

(20030101)

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Simeons Hcg Drops Diet Weight Loss Pregnancy Hormone Pounds & Inches

Red Hot Hcg Diet Weight Loss e-Book earns $21/sale. Dr. Oz review Feb 2011=monthly Google growth. hcg-diet-weightloss.com/affilates.html=banners, video, emails, articles, graphics and html. Excellent Sales Copy=hi conversions. Promote today 4 Ez $21/sale.

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Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible

This book examines the theology and ethics of land use, especially the practices of modern industrialized agriculture, in light of critical biblical exegesis. Nine interrelated essays explore the biblical writers' pervasive concern for the care of arable land against the background of the geography, social structures, and religious thought of ancient Israel. This approach consistently brings out neglected aspects of texts, both poetry and prose, that are central to Jewish and Christian traditions. Rather than seeking solutions from the past, Davis creates a conversation between ancient texts and contemporary agrarian writers; thus she provides a fresh perspective from which to view the destructive practices and assumptions that now dominate the global food economy. The biblical exegesis is wide-ranging and sophisticated; the language is literate and accessible to a broad audience.

Price: $25.99

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The Reasons Agriculture is Important

Why is agriculture important? The concept of 'food security' is fundamentally important, and for that reason, agriculture is important. The task of feeding its people has been perhaps the first priority of its rulers throughout history. As such, agriculture is considered to be the very basis of political and social stability of a nation since times immemorial.

Moreover, the agricultural sector plays an important role in the sphere of providing large scale employment to people. Large and moderately large farms employ workers to undertake the various jobs relating to cultivation of crops and care of farm animals. In most of the countries of the world, agriculture still remains the biggest sector responsible for the employing and feeding a large percentage of the population.

Agriculture is also important from the point of view of appraising the standard of a country's development, based on the competence of its farmers. Poorly trained farmers cannot apply the advanced methods and new technologies. The prominence of science and technology in the development of agriculture is quite clear from the words of Deng Xiaoping -

The development of agriculture depends first on policy, and second on science. There is neither any limit to developments in science and technology, nor to the role that they can play in the field of agricultural growth'.

Though agriculture often plays a contributory role in the 'Gross Domestic Product' - GDP - of most countries, it nevertheless requires a substantial boost from both the local and the international community.

Agriculture is traditionally based on bulk manufacturing. Harvesting is done once a season, most of the times, and stocked and used later. In fact, some thinkers opine that people have begun to adopt 'batch processing' and 'stocking' in manufacturing, as a result of the practices from agricultural thinking. Before industrialization, people with the biggest stocks of food and other supplies were considered more stable, and they were able to face challenges of nature without having to starve.

So important is the role of agriculture that new concepts keep 'cropping up' to give the traditional activity a modern turn. One such new concept the world is raving about these days is - the importance of 'organic farming'. There is evidence that, apart from their numerous other benefits, organic farms are more sustainable and environmentally sound, giving agriculture a new dimension.

The importance of agricultural practices was further established when 'Organic food' began as a small movement decades ago, with gardeners and farmers rejecting the use of conventional non-organic practices. With the growth of the Organic food market now outpacing much of the food industry, many big companies have ventured into it. With the emergence of multi-national companies, and with the creation of a legal certification framework such as the Soil Association, there is every doubt that the very definition of organic food will change, making it more of a commercial activity than ever before!

In fact, modern agriculture has already undergone a sea-change from the ancient times. Today, the importance of agriculture lies in the fact that it is practiced both for subsistence as well as commercial reasons!

Christopher Schwebius is an entrepreneur who seeks out sharply defined, specifically focused topics to research. Upon finishing his research he provides relevant, un-biased information to his readers based on his discoveries and/or personal experiences. One of his latest ongoing projects can be viewed at http://www.whyisagricultureimportant.com

Buy Agricultural Land

Agricultural land can be bought in Gujarat after fulfilling certain requirements. These include: The annual average income of the person including agricultural income should be less than Rs. 2Lakhs. The person must have had an agricultural land in his name before the year 1974. The person should be an agriculturist or an agricultural worker by profession.As per Section 79A of the Land Reforms Act 1961, the non-agricultural income of a purchaser who must be an agriculturist should not exceed Rs. 2 Lakhs per year. Sale of land granted to members of scheduled caste and tribe is not allowed.

Also, sale of land granted by the government is not allowed for a period of 15 years. Agricultural land can be used only for agricultural purposes and no other purpose. Utilizing agricultural land for any other purpose is prohibited by law. Agricultural land, which does not come under the Green Belt, can be converted for non-agricultural purposes like residential, commercial, industrial etc. subject to the approval of the Special Deputy Commissioner on payment of the prescribed fees and subject to certain conditions.To purchase agricultural lands, these documents need to be produced:

Form No 1 - Vendor's Pani, mutation Purchaser's pani Survey map of the land to be sold, certified by the Survey Department. Survey number means a portion of land, the area and assessment of which are separately entered under an indicative number in land records. Sub-division of survey number means a portion of survey number, the area and assessment of which are separately entered in land records under an indicative number subordinate to the survey number, of which it is a portion. This is also called 'hissa number'. Survey mark means any mark or object employed to indicate the boundaries of the property.
Affidavits - No objection certificate from the Tahsildar
Government permission in specified cases (like purchase of agricultural lands by people other than agriculturists and agricultural workers).
J Form - RTC, i.e. record of right, tenancy and inspection of crops. This is a primary record issued by the village accountant. It contains the details of survey number, total extend of the land, names of the owners and their extent of holding, persons in possession, details of crops grown, and land revenue for any particular period. It also contains the details of conversion of land from agricultural to non-agricultural.
Mutation extract: This is an extract from the mutation register maintained by the village accountant. It records the transfer of land and the mode of such transfer, recommendations of the enquiry officer for such transfer, and date of entry of transfer in the record of rights.
Tippani: this document is issued by the Survey Department. A tippani shows a sketch of the land as on the records of the Survey Department.
Akarband: this document is also issued by the Survey Department. It establishes the survey number and to whom the particular survey number was originally allotted and the land revenue assessment details.
Section 79 A&B endorsements: These are issued by the Tahsildar. These endorsements certify that there are no cases against the person owning the agricultural land, and whether he is an agriculturist or not, conforming to the prescriptions.
Form No 7 endorsement: This is also issued by the Tahsildar. This endorsement certifies that there are no tenancy cases pending in respect of the property in question, as per the Karnataka Land Reforms Act 1961.
Saguvali Chit: The Saguvali Chit is also called the certificate of grant. This is issued on Form No VII in case of grant of government land to eligible persons for cultivation. This establishes the title of the person named in Saguvali Chit to the land granted. A sketch of the land granted will be annexed to the Saguvali Chit. The grant of the land is subject to the conditions detailed in the Saguvali Chit.
Patta Book: This is a record given to a holder of agricultural land and includes tenants if he is primarily liable to pay land revenue. It contains a copy of the record of rights to the land. The book also contains information regarding the payment of land revenue and other government dues, and information of cultivation.

Extracted From TOI, DIY Conservatories

Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes

Provides Mediterranean diet recipes to help healthy weight loss and minimise the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, allergies, dementia and cancer. Delivered monthly and a full free report is provided to visitors.

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Agriculture Course: The Birth of the Biodynamic Method

When Rudolf Steiner gave these lectures eighty years ago, industrial farming was on the rise and organic methods were being replaced in the name of science, efficiency, and technology. With the widespread alarm over food quality in recent years, and with the growth of the organic movement and its mainstream acceptance, perceptions are changing. The qualitative aspect of food is on the agenda again, and in this context Steiner’s only course of lectures on agriculture is critical to the current debate.

With these talks, Steiner created and launched "biodynamic" farming—a form of agriculture that has come to be regarded as the best organically produced food. However, the agriculture Steiner speaks of here is much more than organic—it involves working with the cosmos, with the earth, and with spiritual beings. To facilitate this, Steiner prescribes specific "preparations" for the soil, as well as other distinct methods born from his profound understanding of the material and spiritual worlds. He presents a comprehensive picture of the complex dynamic relationships at work in nature and gives basic indications of the practical measures needed to bring them into full play.

These lectures are reprinted here in the "classic" translation made by Rudolf Steiner's English interpreter, George Adams. This edition also features a preface by Steiner's colleague the medical doctor Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, as well as eight color plates.

This is the course that began the biodynamic movement. This is the essential work for anyone wanting to understand and use Steiner's methods of food production.

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Perfect Diet A New Look At Weight Loss For the past several years, I've been working with a team of researchers. We've conducted a systematic analysis of hundreds of weight-loss studies dating back to the turn of the last century.

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Online Agriculture Career Preparation and Training Options

When looking to pursue the education needed for a career in agriculture, there are a number of options for students to choose from. Training can be completed through various online schools and colleges, allowing students to gain the necessary skills without leaving the comforts of home. Online agriculture degree programs are available at several levels of education, and coursework will prepare students to enter into the workforce. Pursuing an agricultural education can teach students to carry out a number of tasks related to their specific career. Students can start the path by researching their options prior to enrollment in an educational training program online.

1. Training for a career in agriculture can be done through online programs that allow students to study at their own leisure from just about anywhere. Educational options can include earning a variety of degrees at the graduate and undergraduate level. Students will need to decide if they would like to earn an associate, bachelor, or master level degree prior to enrollment. Training can last anywhere from two to six years based on the individual students career goals. When looking to pursue a career related to agriculture students should make sure they enroll in the program that will provide them with the coursework needed to gain the skills to succeed.

2. Specific areas of study will vary based on the level of education the students chooses to obtain and the online school or college of enrollment. Coursework may consist of learning subjects like marketing, animal biology, plant science, economics, hydroponics, agricultural engineering, and more. Students can also choose to specialize in certain areas which will allow them to learn poultry science, global agricultural trade, animal husbandry, and many other relevant studies. By gaining an online education in these subjects, students will be prepared to seek employment in a number of exciting areas, and pursue the career of their dreams.

3. When looking to pursue a career in agriculture students can look forward to a number of exciting professions in this field. Studies will allow students to enter into careers working as agricultural professors, agribusiness managers, animal farmers, greenhouse managers, vegetable farmers, and many other related professions. With a degree in this field students can enter into careers in animal and food science, agricultural operations, commodities brokering, and much more. Students can seek out the program that will best prepare them to meet their career and educational goals as agriculture professionals.

Completing educational training programs will allow students to enter into the workforce ready for their careers. Some programs carry full accreditation, which provides schools and colleges with proof that they offer a quality education to students. There are agencies like the DETC ( http://www.detc.org/ ) that are able to fully accredit online learning programs. Students should look into the accredited online agriculture career preparation and training options prior to enrollment in order to gain the best education available to them.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Agriculture Degree Programs as well as Campus Based Agriculture Degree Programs at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

Plowshares & Pork Barrels: The Political Economy of Agriculture (Independent Studies in Political Economy)

Agricultural subsidies in grains, cotton, milk, sugar, tobacco, honey, wool, and peanuts are analyzed in this examination of U.S. farm policy. Looking at such programs as food stamps, crop insurance, subsidized credit, trade credit, trade subsidies and import restrictions, conservation, agricultural research, and taxation, this historical perspective argues that these subsidies ultimately redistribute wealth to powerful agricultural interests who use their political clout to advance their economic interests at the expense of the general public. This analysis of government farm programs will appeal to professors and students who study agriculture; people affected by government farm policies; public officials, and businesses affected by agricultural policy such as those in food service, retail, and distribution.

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Online Agriculture Studies

Today a large amount of economic trade between countries is the exchange of agricultural goods. This market of the economy deals with more than just the actual exchange of goods. There are a wide range of responsibilities within the industry that individuals can learn through online education. Many accredited online schools offer degree distinctions in every facet of the agricultural industry. Prospective students interested in this field of study will be able to earn their education solely through online agriculture studies.

In its most basic definition agriculture is the production of food and products through some form of farming. Study in this area can have students learning about a wide range of disciplines through online agriculture schools and colleges. Students can earn an education online from an associate's degree to a PhD in the field. The options for a concentration are vast, which allows students to earn an education in a specific part of the industry they are most interested in. Specific concentrations include:

Wildlife
Agricultural
Engineering
Agricultural Economics
Environmental Sustainability
Management

...and more. Education requirements will vary depending on the college selected and what degree a student is trying to obtain.

An associate's degree or bachelor's degree will give students a foundation of principles and procedures to build upon whether they enter the professional work place or gain more education. Most degree programs at this level could take two to four years for a student to complete. Concepts and topics covered in undergraduate study include agricultural research, basic methods of production of products, farm life in connection with how livestock and plants are grown, how to take soil samples, and much more.

Students who continue education and obtain a master's or a PhD could be studying agriculture for another three to six years depending on the concentration the student has selected. A master's degree program will give students knowledge directly related to one area. Many programs focus on a specific area and enable students with the techniques to successfully manage agricultural procedures for the area they are studying. Skills that could be learned include how to run a ranch, analyze crops, and how to use certain equipment for job related tasks. Upon completion students will be able to enter higher education at the PhD level or transition into the industry in pursuit of their career.

Gaining a PhD in the field will greatly benefit a student who wants to enter the top levels of work within the industry. As a result the schooling process is not a super fast one but an in depth study into the specific area of agriculture a student is going into. Study at this level not only requires more knowledge but it tests the student's knowledge. PhD programs will have students immersed in high-level courses and seminars. Doctoral students are required at the end of coursework to present a dissertation proposal, conduct research, and finally present and defend their dissertation. PhD options in the field are wide and students can choose from concentrations that include horticulture, soil science, forestry, agronomy, and more.

Don't let your passion of agriculture pass you by. Start on your career path today by enrolling in an accredited degree program. The Distance Education and Training Council ( http://www.detc.org/ ) approved programs for full accreditation in order to prove that they can offer a quality educational experience. Search out online agriculture colleges that offer degree programs and concentrations that fit your career goals and schedule.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Agriculture Schools and Colleges as well as Campus Based Agriculture Schools and Colleges at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

Farmers of Forty Centuries; Or, Permanent Agriculture in China, Korea, and Japan

The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Agriculture; Technology

Price: $24.49

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With the Right Degree You Can Cultivate A Career in Agriculture

Agriculture jobs are available for students and those with little experience in the field, but there are also advanced positions for those who go to college and get an advanced degree in a field related to agriculture. While it will take at least two to four years to get a college degree, your earning potential is much higher. College is expensive, but you'll make your money back in no time at all once you graduate.

For students who want an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in an agricultural field, there are a number of programs of study from which to choose. There are also diploma programs and certification programs for those who want advanced training, but who do not want to attend a traditional school. Some of the associate's degree and bachelor's degree majors you can pursue include the following:

? Agribusiness

? Agricultural Economics

? Agriculture Communications

? Agriculture Production Technology

? Animal Science

? Biology

? General Agriculture

? Horticulture Sciences

? Plant Sciences

Of course, this isn't an extensive list, and some colleges offer more general degrees in areas like business or communications with concentration options in agriculture and other areas. You can also get a degree in an area that isn't necessarily about agriculture, but which will help you with a career in the future. For example, management is a good type of degree for those who have aspirations to run farms or work in agricultural administration.

While a bachelor's degree will allow you to qualify for a number of upper-level positions in the agricultural world, you can get even better jobs by pursuing a terminal degree. Terminal degrees are degrees that are considered the highest in that field. For some areas, this might be a master's degree, while in others, you can get a doctorate. Do you need a master's degree of doctorate degree to get a job in agriculture? Absolutely not - but it will mean that you have the chance to make a much higher salary in any agriculture-related field.

In addition, with a degree you'll qualify for positions that give you power in this industry. For many, being able to affect agriculture policy is important. If you want a role in the government or a higher-level position in an agricultural company, you almost certainly need at least a master's degree.

College isn't cheap, but there are ways to make your education affordable. Scholarships are available for students with academic achievements or special talents or who are willing to write essays. Grants are available as well, and instead of being based on merit, this kind of money is based on need. Student loans, while they do have to be repaid, are also a great source of money for college, since payments are deferred until after you graduate and have a chance to start your career.

You can also go to school part-time while working. Both online and offline programs are great for this, and in some cases, your employer may be willing to help pay for your education. If you go to school while you work, you'll also be laying a great foundation for your career when you graduate. Even if your company doesn't have advanced positions available for those with college degrees, it does mean that you'll have a nice addition on your resume when applying to companies that do hire workers with advanced agricultural degrees.

So should you go to college if you're interested in dairy farming jobs or other forms of work in agriculture? There are certainly jobs available for those without a degree, but by getting your degree, you'll qualify for better jobs with higher salaries and more responsibilities. Get the whole scoop on farming related jobs from Lisa Jenkins, a freelance career writer who covers the topic for JobMonkey. From poultry jobs and seasonal orchard work to cattle ranching and agricultural genetics, Jenkins covers the whole range of opportunities.

The Unsettling of America: Culture & Agriculture

Since its publication by Sierra Club Books in 1977, The Unsettling of America has been recognized as a classic of American letters. In it, Wendell Berry argues that good farming is a cultural development and spiritual discipline. Today’s agribusiness, however, takes farming out of its cultural context and away from families. As a result, we as a nation are more estranged from the land?from the intimate knowledge, love, and care of it.
Sadly, as Berry notes in his Afterword to this third edition, his arguments and observations are more relevant than ever. We continue to suffer loss of community, the devaluation of human work, and the destruction of nature under an economic system dedicated to the mechanistic pursuit of products and profits. Although ?this book has not had the happy fate of being proved wrong,” Berry writes, there are good people working ?to make something comely and enduring of our life on this earth.” Wendell Berry is one of those people, writing and working, as ever, with passion, eloquence, and conviction.

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The Best Agricultural Investment of 2010?

Agricultural investment has outperformed traditional asset classes such as stocks, bonds and cash for some time, a fact backed by the sound fundamentals backing agricultural investments.

The world population is growing, with most experts predicting a growth of 40% by 2050, and a correlated growth in demand for food of at least 50%. This, combined with the diminishing supply of agricultural land is pushing up the value of agricultural land at an annual average of more than 18% over the last three years.

Here's an interesting fundamental fact driving agricultural investments: The current commitments to biofuel use from the USA, EU, Japan, China, Canada, and India, would use up around 440 million acres, that's all of the agricultural land in North America and 11% of the worlds farmland. This demand will continue to pressure output, and put agricultural land at a premium.

So, what could be considered the best agricultural investment? Well the options for investor are two-fold, firstly you could invest in one of the many agricultural funds available on the market, these agricultural funds offer the investor the opportunity to participate at lower levels and enjoy the lower risk element of spreading their investment over a vast portfolio of crops and locations.

The other option, and this is what I personally consider to be the best agricultural investment, involves a direct investment into agricultural land. This would be considered a low-risk asset (60% lower risk than other asset classes), as the human race will always need food, feed and fuel.

Investors choosing to buy up agricultural land now, will benefit not only from the growth in the value of the land itself, but also from the high yield earned from leasing the land to a farmer. So the best agricultural investment in 2010? direct investment, buying farmland, owning the asset, however you want to put it, those investors choosing to buy up farmland now will be well rewarded, very well rewarded indeed.

To learn more about investing in this asset class you can download the Agricultural Investment Guide for free at www.dgc-ai.com/btl-farmland

You can download a full copy of the Agricultural Investors Guide, and learn more about farm land investment by contacting David Garner through the DGC website http://www.dgc-ai.com

David Garner is Managing Partner at DGC Business Consulting Ltd, a boutique investment consultancy servicing high net worth individuals in farm land investment, and real estate investment

Civic Agriculture: Reconnecting Farm, Food, and Community (Civil Society: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives)

While the American agricultural and food systems follow a decades-old path of industrialization and globalization, a counter trend has appeared toward localizing some agricultural and food production. Thomas A. Lyson, a scholar-practitioner in the field of community-based food systems, calls this rebirth of locally based agriculture and food production civic agriculture because these activities are tightly linked to a community's social and economic development. Civic agriculture embraces innovative ways to produce, process, and distribute food, and it represents a sustainable alternative to the socially, economically, and environmentally destructive practices associated with conventional large-scale agriculture. Farmers' markets, community gardens, and community-supported agriculture are all forms of civic agriculture.

Lyson describes how, in the course of a hundred years, a small-scale, diversified system of farming became an industrialized system of production and also how this industrialized system has gone global. He argues that farming in the United States was modernized by employing the same techniques and strategies that transformed the manufacturing sector from a system of craft production to one of mass production. Viewing agriculture as just another industrial sector led to transformations in both the production and the processing of food. As small farmers and food processors were forced to expand, merge with larger operations, or go out of business, they became increasingly disconnected from the surrounding communities. Lyson enumerates the shortcomings of the current agriculture and food systems as they relate to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. He then introduces the concept of community problem solving and offers empirical evidence and concrete examples to show that a re-localization of the food production system is underway.

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US Agriculture Federal Grants

The US government issues agricultural grants to manufacturers and producers of agricultural commodities to aid agricultural development and improve the agricultural industry as a whole through various grant programs

Some of these include

1. Aiding producers of agricultural commodities to carry out sufficient research to aid the production and cultivation of better agricultural commodities and products. This would help in facilitating proper methods of cultivation and thereby increase agricultural yield.

2. Grants to facilitate better methods of agricultural production and thereby improve the quality of commodities resulting in an increased consumption of agricultural products.

3. Grants to improve and maintain the health of animals engaged in agricultural activities. Healthier farm animals will lead to increased agricultural activities.

4. Federal grants to maintain and conserve the wetlands, grazing lands and other farm lands that are key to the production and cultivation of agricultural commodities. Conserving such lands will also reduce environmental damage and thereby improve production

5. Grants to construct better water management facilities and irrigation plants thereby improving the overall quality of water.

6. Reduction of salt load on in the land by carrying out necessary environmental practices. This would lead to better production of agricultural commodities.

7. Improve farm income levels by stabilizing the balance between supply and demand for agricultural produce. This stabilization will lead to better national welfare and less inconsistencies.

8. Grants for establishing agricultural teaching capacities including faculty preparation, instrumentation for reading, development and selection of curriculum and materials.

9. Establishing projects and communities to meet the food and nutrition requirements of people in lower income groups and to assist in improving their general nutrition.

10. Promote national welfare and economic stability and strength in the agricultural industry by establishing strong crop insurance programs.

Visit these pages to learn more about how agriculture grants and government grants can help you

Family Farming: A New Economic Vision, New Edition

Americans decry the decline of family farming but stand by helplessly as industrial agribusiness takes over. The prevailing sentiment is that family farms should survive for important social, ethical, and economic reasons. But will they? This timely book exposes the biases in American farm policies that irrationally encourage expansion, biases evident in federal commodity programs, income tax provisions, and subsidized credit services. Family Farming also exposes internal conflicts, particularly the conflict between the private interests of individual farmers and the public interest in family farming as a whole. It challenges the assumption that bigger is better, critiques the technological basis of modern agriculture, and calls for farming practices that are ethical, economical, and ecologically sound. The alternative policies discussed in this book could yet save the family farm, and the ways and means of saving it are argued here with special urgency.

 

This Bison Books edition includes a new introduction by the author providing a more national perspective, underscoring the repetitive cycles of American agriculture over the decade, and assessing the major policy issues that have dominated agriculture in recent years.

Price: $16.95

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Poverty Eradication in Nigeria Through Agriculture and Enterprise Revolution

Circumstances changed radically with the oil boom of the 1970s, as the discovery of vast oil and gas reserves in the strategically significant sub-Saharan nation turned its fortunes overnight. The windfall transformed Nigeria's agricultural landscape into a gigantic oil field crisscrossed by more than 7,000 km of pipelines connecting 6,000 oil wells, two refineries, innumerable flow stations and export terminals. The colossal investments in the sector paid off, with unofficial estimates suggesting Abuja raked in more than $600 billion in petrodollars in the last decade alone.

Unfortunately, the obsession with non-renewables over all other sectors of the economy eventually turned Nigeria's boon into a bane. Newfound wealth spawned political instability and massive corruption in government circles, and the country was rent asunder by decades of violent civil war and successive military coups. Agriculture was one of the first casualties of the oil regime, and by the 1990s, cultivation accounted for just 5% of GDP. Farming modernisation and support continued to remain low on the list of national priorities as vast stretches of rural Nigeria gradually plunged into poverty and food scarcity. Deforestation, soil erosion and industrial pollution further hastened the down-spiral of agriculture to the point where it ended up as a subsistence activity.

The fall of Nigerian agriculture coincided with the collapse of its macroeconomic and human development indicators. With income distribution concentrated on a few urban pockets, the majority of rural Nigeria was left reeling under massive poverty, unemployment and food shortages. A widening urban-rural divide sparked social unrest and mass migration into towns and cities. Organised urban crime became as real a security threat as militancy in the Niger Delta region. Nigeria plummeted to the bottom in world economic rankings and Africa's most populous nation acquired the unhappy distinction of having more than half (54%) of its 148 million people living in abject poverty. The World Bank coined the term "Nigerian Paradox" specifically to describe the unique condition of extreme underdevelopment and poverty in a country brimming with resources and potential. The country was ranked 80th in a 2007 UNDP poverty survey covering 108 countries.

The transition to democratic civilian rule at the end of the last century paved the way for an enthusiastic programme of economic reform and restructuring. Abuja's urgency for inclusive growth was much in evidence in the adoption of an ambitious blueprint designed to reverse trends and jumpstart a stagnating economy. The Vision 2020 document adopted under former president O Obsanjo lays out broad parameters for sustainable development with the specific goal of instating Nigeria as a global economic superpower in a time-bound manner. The 2020 goals are in addition to Nigeria's commitment to the UN Millennial Declaration of 2000 that proposes universal basic human rights by 2015.

The realisation of these allied and intertwined objectives depends entirely on Abuja's ability to bring about inclusive growth by means of an entrepreneurial revolution, while simultaneously correcting massive infrastructural shortages and administrative anomalies. Economies usually begin expanding with an initial agricultural revolution: The case of Nigeria however calls for agriculture to be part of a larger enterprise revolution that efficiently leverages the nation's extensive resources and human capital.

The intricacy of issues involved here is reflected in the fact that the National Poverty Eradication Programme of 2001 identifies agriculture and rural development as its primary area of interest. The fact that all development has to begin from the bottom-up cannot be overemphasised in the context of Nigeria, where a farming boom can ensure not just food supply and exports but also provide industrial raw materials and a market for products.

Agricultural expansion is critical to economic prosperity across Western Africa, considering the region's crippling poverty levels. A 2003 conference organised by NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development) in South Africa strongly urged the promotion of cassava cultivation as a poverty eradication tool across the continent. The recommendation is based on a strategy that focuses on markets, private sector participation and research to drive a pan-African cassava initiative. What was once a rural staple and famine-reserve food has become a lucrative cash crop!

The NEPAD initiative has strong relevance for Nigeria, the world's largest cassava producer. With its large rural population and extensive farmlands, the country boasts unrivalled opportunities of transforming the humble cassava to an industrial raw material for both domestic and international markets. There is a growing and well-justified belief that the crop can transform rural economies, spur rapid economic and industrial growth and assist disadvantaged communities. While production grew steadily between 1980 and 2002 from 10,000 MT to over 35,000 MT, there is scope for significant further increase by bringing more land under cassava cultivation. Nigeria must take the lead not only in developing better production, harvesting and processing technologies, but also in finding new uses and markets for what is undoubtedly a wonder crop. Nigeria stands to make giant strides towards inclusive and sustainable development simply through the intelligent and judicious promotion of cassava farming.

The following are some of the most urgent requirements for a successful revolution in Nigerian agriculture:

o Active promotion and establishment of agro-based industries that generate employment, sustain local food requirements and encourage exports.

o Effective steps to modernise and diversify the agricultural economy as a means of buttressing entrepreneurial growth in ancillary sectors.

o Institution of a tariff system that promotes local produce against cheaper imports, together with the removal of institutional barriers against agricultural profitability.

o Subsidies on technologically advanced farm equipment and practices that help boost productivity without any adverse ecological side effects.

o An umbrella poverty alleviation programme designed specifically to promote agrarian reforms while simultaneously improving the quality of life in rural communities.

o Enhanced access to agricultural enterprise loans through a network of regulated lending institutions sympathetic to farming realities.

o Adult education programmes designed to help Nigerian farmers upgrade to locally relevant but modern methods of cultivation, marketing and distribution.

o Encouragement of both public and private sector agricultural research aimed at correcting technological constraints faced by local farming communities.

If Nigeria's agricultural potential is enormous, it is partly because more than 90% of its 91 million hectares of total land area is arable. While soil fertility is generally estimated on the lower side, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) predicts medium to high yields across the country with optimal utilisation of resources. Combined with Nigeria's substantial rural population traditionally involved in agriculture, this projection translates to gigantic prospects in terms of agricultural productivity and, by extension, economic resurgence. For a nation emerging out of a troubled past and struggling to attain social, political and economic stability, the ideals of agricultural and entrepreneurial revolution hold vitally important. Because they are also inextricably linked in the Nigerian context, the country's future position on the world economic stage depends literally on the bounty of its harvest.

By Peter Osalor FCCA, CTA Partner Peter Osalor and Co Chartered Certified Accountants and President Success in your business.com.

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Agriculture - Online Education Options for Career Training

The agriculture business delivers all types of foods such as meat and milk to everyone in society. Students can learn about crop and livestock farming by studying the industry through online agriculture schools and colleges. Online training can be pursued at several degree levels allowing students to enter their desired career.

The industry has seen a significant growth in technology use in recent years, which makes completing an education extremely beneficial if not imperative for interested students. Online training incorporates many fields to prepare students for professional work. Biology and chemistry are focused on to prepare students to understand plant promotion and livestock manufacturing. Students are also taught how to integrate new concepts with existing ones to better maintain the business. Many career opportunities are available to students that earn a degree. Some possible career options include:

Agricultural Technician
Ranch Manager
Greenhouse Manager
Agricultural Professor

Students can enter these careers and more after completing the correct degree program. Online education options for career training in agriculture include an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree program.

Students that complete an associate's degree program will gain a foundation in agriculture. Most programs prepare students to become technicians in the field by teaching them how to correctly operate the equipment and machines used for farming. The business of agriculture and understanding soil composition is also highly focused on. Common courses taken at this level of education could include:

Agriculture Chemicals
Crop Science

Students can expect to understand the hazards of the business and how to promote safety on the job. Livestock and heavy machinery are key areas that are studied in a safety course. Other areas explored may include pesticides, the nature of soils, and ecosystems.

Bachelor's degree programs give students the most career opportunities upon completion. Multiple concentration areas can be entered that focus on areas such as agricultural business management or industry marketing. Programs typically emphasize specific parts of the field like food production, soil science, and plant cultivation. Common coursework that can be found in all concentration areas may include:

Microeconomics for Agriculture
Livestock Biometrics
Agriculture Research

Courses help students understand the chemical and biological make up of soil, plant growth, and crop performance. This wide knowledge base allows students to pursue careers in management, technology, and business.

Students that continue education by completing a master's degree program have the opportunity to step into careers where they conduct research or teach others about agriculture. Students explore many areas, which include courses in biological engineering, organic agriculture, and agribusiness. Other online course topics that may be examined include:

Horticulture
Agriculture Technology

Students are able to step into careers in areas that include government, science, management, and engineering. Soil composition specialists and agricultural policymakers are some career possibilities for students that complete training at the master's degree level.

Online education allows students to work from home and enter their desired career. Enrolling in an accredited online college that offers agriculture is the first step to entering a satisfying career. Full accreditation is awarded by agencies like the Distance Education and Training Council (http://www.detc.org/) to programs that offer a quality education.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Agriculture Schools and Colleges as well as Campus Based Agriculture Schools and Colleges at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

Agriculture Schools Teach Turfgrass Sciences and More

Agriculture Schools offer courses and degrees in many fields and areas of agriculture and agribusiness. Students in Agriculture Schools can focus on subjects of turfgrass sciences, animal care, crop management, botany, textiles, and many more.

Agriculture Schools qualify graduates for positions in dairy sciences; animal sciences; animal and human medicine and pharmaceuticals; biotechnology, including food and feed; and in plant animal agriculture.

Agriculture Schools provide students with programs of study to change careers, to further education for career advancement, or to satisfy personal interest. Entry-level studies in agriculture can net diplomas and certificates. One-year diplomas in agribusiness management prepare students for positions in production, wholesale, and retail. Continued studies can provide an excellent education, resulting in associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees.

Diplomas and certificates from Agriculture Schools are appropriate for those who plan to continue studies for bachelor degrees (BS) in agricultural sciences to prepare for entrance into fields of management, plant sciences, livestock nutrition and reproduction, veterinary sciences, or any other of the many fields of agriculture.

Master degree (MS) programs in Agriculture Schools build on the liberal arts foundations of the bachelor's degree. These programs of study include advanced mathematics, statistics, computer sciences, business, and economics. Master degree agriculture students can choose to specialize in animal health and environmental interactions; biotechnology; food, nutrition, and nutritional physiology, and production; and animal sciences that include beef and dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, and swine. Emphasis can be placed on areas of practical, professional, and technical skills of management, research, or education.

Doctorate degrees in agriculture can focus agricultural sciences that prepare for applications of specific knowledge, education, research, and technical applications to performance and management of agricultural operations.

Some Agriculture Schools provide the study of turfgrasses. The subjects of sod production, landscape design and management, public parks, school grounds, athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, and other outdoor surfaces are covered in these programs.

If you are interested in learning more about Find Agriculture Schools and various agriculture degrees, please search our site for more information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Online Agriculture Schools or Agriculture Training at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.