Role of an Agricultural Scientist

Career of an Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural Scientists are the professionals involved in all those activities collectively referred to as Agriculture. This is a very wide area and includes Forestry, Animal keeping, Horticulture, Crop production, Landscape, Rural Environmental Management, Rural Development, Food Science etc etc. Agricultural science is based firmly on Biology, Chemistry and Physics along with economics, and the professional agricultural scientist applies scientific principles and training to the solving of practical problems in all these areas.

The Professional Agricultural scientist is usually a specialist in one of these areas and he/she will be involved in a range of activities to support the pursuit of best practice in their specialised area. Their work includes carrying out research, supplying advice, training and education and supporting EU and state policies around food production and enhancing the environment. The work of the professional agricultural scientist is very satisfying and is usually based in the countyside and involves an element of outdoor work with farmers and landowners and plants and animals.

Becoming an Agricultural Scientist
The profession best suits a person who enjoys science, the outdoors, and rural living although many agricultural scientists have also found rewarding careers in the city in business or public administration. Agricultural science is an international activity so travel is often a feature of a career path. The basic entry requirement is a university degree or its equivalent in a relevant area. In Ireland the main entry to the profession is a degree in Agricultural Science in UCD