Agribusiness

Agribusiness is defined as agriculture conducted on commercial principles, especially using advanced technology. Agribusiness encompasses many types of activities and subsets of agriculture, from crop and animal production, to nursery and tree production, to fishing and forestry. With the need for more food production, innovations in agriculture based on strategy, research, and resource utilization are fundamental. For example, hydroponics and aquaponics are innovative techniques allowing for growth of food, plants and fish in controlled environments. Agribusiness is the seventh largest industry in the Jacksonville region, supplying food locally and nationally and the Jacksonville region anticipates further growth in this sector.

Industry Report

Industry Overview

In the Spotlight: Agribusiness

Agribusiness

Lindsay Meyer

Creative Director
Congaree & Penn

Clayton Brauman

Putnam County Schools/FFA Member

Kelly Oehler

University of Florida Graduate/Intern

To read additional spotlights, click here.

Agribusiness jobs include Farm and Greenhouse Worker, Logging Equipment Operator, Animal Trainer, Equipment Operator, Landscaper, Agronomist, Sales Agronomist, Area Sales Manager, Heavy Equipment Field Technician, Operations Manager Trainee, NASDA Field Enumerator, CDL Driver, Civil Engineering Analyst, Sales Representative, Director of Sales, Technical Sales Representative and Manufacturing Engineer.

Large corporate farms, family farms, and organic farms all have an important role. Farms that offer means of diversifying their product lines or those who offer additional means of engaging with the public maintain success and are at the heart of the agribusiness movement. For example, some farms use their property for outdoor events, photos, corn mazes, hayrides, berry picking, or cooking competitions. Farms are the backbone to agribusiness since they bring people together and feed our nation. Managing these farms requires business acumen and the foresight to use upcoming technology to increase yields more efficiently and effectively.

Agribusiness jobs can also range from working in farms and greenhouses to a commercial fishery, being involved in ecotourism, or engaging in marine science. Individuals with a farming background, someone who has studied career and technical education programs in agriculture, or those who simply have a passion for how things grow and how technology shapes industry can all engage in agribusiness.