The future of the planet hinges on agribusiness, an industry tasked with the urgent challenge of feeding a growing population. The stakes have never been higher: according to The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024, nearly 282 million people from 59 countries in 2023 faced high levels of food insecurity. With the global population on course to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, agriculture needs to find smarter, more sustainable ways to preserve the planet’s precious resources.
This mounting pressure is sparking a shift in how food is cultivated, transported, and consumed. By integrating sustainable practices with emerging technologies like precision farming, the industry is finding ways to meet rising demand. However, these advances mean little without skilled professionals who can bring them to life.
To answer this call, universities worldwide are stepping up with forward-thinking programmes that blend innovative research and practical training. From green pastures to global research centres, these institutions are equipping future leaders with the tools to make a global impact. Here are three agricultural and agribusiness schools driving innovation and sustainability:
Agriculture and agribusiness students conduct research and study topics like agricultural markets, policy and risk to help the food industry. Source: University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
At the University of Manitoba’s Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, you’ll discover the power to transform the future of agriculture. Its agriculture and agribusiness programmes are rooted in microeconomics and advanced quantitative methods, which prepare you to tackle real-world challenges at the farm or firm level, shape impactful policies, and drive innovation across the global food supply chain.
The future of agriculture is yours to shape, no matter which programme you choose to join as a Bison. The Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness is where you learn everything about the food chain, from producer to consumer. Over four years, you’ll explore economics, finance, marketing, statistics and management concepts within agribusiness, learning the skills to make informed decisions in a complex business environment.
Graduate programmes are a cornerstone of the department as well. It has offered MSc degrees in Agribusiness, Farm Management, and Agricultural Economics since 1927. Ranked among the top 2% of master’s programmes globally by mastersportal.com, the MSc in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics is a two-year, thesis-based programme that combines coursework with research. You will explore demand analysis, risk management, finance and international trade, with options in fields like policy and resource management while benefiting from internship opportunities in one of Canada’s most agriculturally vibrant regions.
Located in Winnipeg, the department is right at the heart of Canada’s agriculture industry. The city is home to 189 food and beverage manufacturing companies and is a hub for world-renowned agri-food research in areas like plant protein extraction, cereal grains, and swine genetics. Winnipeg also plays a key role in Canada’s grain handling and transportation networks, with extensive meat, grain, and oilseed processing nearby, and it hosts key national organisations for grains, canola, and pulses.
Whether within or beyond campus, through undergraduate or graduate pathways, Agribusiness at Manitoba will empower you to become an expert at the intersection of agriculture, business, and economics, opening doors to a world of possibilities in one of the most critical industries of our time.
Agribusiness Economics majors learn about agricultural resource use, food and fibre production, markets, trade, food consumption, and nutrition. Source: University of California, Davis
University of California, Davis
For students passionate about agriculture and applied economics, UC Davis’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics offers an unmatched opportunity to excel. Consistently ranked at the top of the field, this is a place where students (or Aggies) take pride in the university’s agricultural heritage and global impact in agriculture and forestry.
Located in California’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural landscape, Aggies are perfectly positioned to lead. The state’s thriving industry, producing over 400 commodities, is supported by fertile soil, favourable weather, and advanced water systems, creating a conducive environment for innovation and growth.
This unique environment fuels the department’s commitment to excellence. With renowned faculty, including four American Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA) Fellows, it leads the way in addressing challenges in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and global development through rigorous teaching and impactful research.
At the undergraduate level, the Managerial Economics major offers a comprehensive blend of economics, quantitative methods, and practical applications in agriculture, business, and resource management. This balanced take equips students with versatile skills that are highly valued by employers in both the public and private sectors.
Graduate programmes, including the PhD and master’s degrees, build on this foundation with advanced training in economic theory and quantitative methods. Specialisations in agricultural economics, economic development, and environmental and natural resource economics put graduates at the forefront of their fields.
The job shadowing programme lets ABM students spend a day with industry professionals to gain exposure to various career paths. Source: NC State University
NC State University
Agriculture in the 21st century demands leaders who can think innovatively and act strategically. NC State University’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics meets this need by offering agriculture and resource programmes that include economics, business, and entrepreneurship and give students the skills to lead and manage successful ventures.
Students can pursue a BS in Agricultural Business Management (ABM), with courses ranging from agribusiness analytics to international agricultural trade. Students gain practical knowledge that bridges economics, business, and technology – the kind that prepare them to create value and tackle challenges in the real world.
If you are considering further study, the department’s graduate programmes are second to none. Drawing expertise from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Poole College of Management, the Master of Science in Economics and a Master of Economics deepen your understanding of economics while preparing for leadership roles in a global marketplace. Undergraduates can fast-track their journey with an accelerated bachelor’s-master’s option.
The department also creates opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through business partnerships that offer internships, some of which can even count as college credit. And then there are the free semesterly road trips, where students get expand their networks and meet future employers.
This focus on hands-on learning pays off. Graduates go on to thrive in academia, business, and beyond, with many becoming professors at top universities or researchers at renowned institutions.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
