INVENTING NEW ACCESS TO CANCER SCREENING
Gabrielle Fontaine joins UM as a 2022 Vanier Scholar
Ag Biotech
Agriculture Biotechnology in Manitoba
What is Ag Biotech
Agricultural Biotechnology (Ag Biotech) focuses on developing and commercializing innovations and tools related to agricultural plants or animals for the purpose of increasing yields, production efficiencies and/or impacts and/or improving nutritional profiles.
Ag Biotech companies work in the areas of plant genomics, precision agriculture health treatments for animals, and health food & ingredients.
Top Reasons to Explore a Career in Ag Biotech
World population is growing, and the demand for food and intelligent agriculture are just two of the key global challenges facing us today.
- Ag Biotech is a growing industry
Canada wide, each year between 2022 and 2026, there will be a shortage of about 1,100 individuals to fill jobs requiring agriculture degrees.
- Ag Biotech requires innovative technology
There is an increasing demand for highly educated and skilled workers to keep up with advances in Ag Biotech related sciences and engineering.
Drones, robots, AI, apps, GIS, and GPS systems are some related innovative technologies.
- Diverse job opportunities and rewarding professions
Careers vary from Crop Engineer, Agronomist, Entomology, Farm Equipment Operators and more. There are a wide range of jobs in Ag Biotech industries.
- Increase job opportunities
Canada has 270,000 workers in agriculture industries, including 55,000 temporary foreign workers. The primary sector grew by 4.5% in real terms from November 2019 to November 2020. Agriculture accounted for 2.1% of total gross domestic products in November 2020 and is a strong driver of economic activity in rural areas. In a rapidly growing industry, more qualified workers are needed. (Source: Statistics Canada)
Top 10 Jobs in Ag Biotech
- Agrologists
- Agronomist
- Animal Biotechologist
- Crop Systems Specialist
- Entomologist
- Environmental Engineer
- Food Technologist
- Microbiologist
- Plant Scientist/ Field Agronomist
- Soil Scientist
Click here for more
Explore a Career in Ag Biotech Videos
Cytophage Technologies Inc.
- Dr. Steven Theriault, CEO and CSO
FarmersEdge
- Kris Kinnaird, Product Marketing Manager
XiteBio Technologies Inc.
- Dr. Manas Banerjee, President and CEO
- D'Andre De Leon, Lab Technician
- Selina Anderson, Lab Technician
Program and Courses
Are you starting your career, or looking to upgrade your knowledge and skills? Here is a list of courses and programs available at colleges and universities in Manitoba.
Assiniboine Community College
- Agribusiness
- Advanced Diploma in Agriculture
- Commercial Manure Applicator
- Horticultural Production
- Manure Management Planner (MMP)
- Pesticide Certification
- Prairie Horticulture
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Integrated Pest Management
- Agriculture Extension Workshops
Financial Aid & Awards | Registrar's Office
Click here for a variety of scholarships and bursaries for students in full-time programs.
RRC Polytech's Prairie Research Kitchen
The Prairie Research Kitchen brings together a unique blend of food science and culinary arts to support food processors and food services providers through research and development, technical services, and training.
- Rapid Prototyping
- Food Service Application, Testing and Development
- Food equipment demonstrations
- Consumer Research
- Food Process Improvements
- Clinical Trials and Product Development
Technical and Business Services
- Student-led Recipe Development
- Food Styling and Photography
- Sample Preparation/ Trade Show Support
- Access to Resources, Funding and More
Training and Knowledge Diffusion
- Corporate On-site and In-house Training
- Safety and Processing Training
- Networking Events
- Awards and Financial Aids
Awards and Financial Aid Office
The RRC Polytech's Awards and Financial Aid Office provides a number of support services for students, including information on financial assistance programs available to Manitoba students. Click here for more.
University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences
The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences develops people and ideas in support of providing food, bio-resources and services that benefit our society, the environment, and the agri-food sector.
Undergraduate programs
Graduate programs
- Agribusiness & Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Biosystems Engineering
- Entomology
- Food Science
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
Awards and Financial Aid
The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences offers numerous awards, bursaries and prizes to students enrolled in the programs offered by the faculty. Learn more
Wage Subsidy Programs
Wage subsidy programs are available to assist with hiring co-op students. Click here for more details.
Business Pathways
Manitoba Agriculture has launched the new Business Pathways website dedicated to entrepreneurs, with a focus on food processors to provide connections, tools, and resources to help businesses succeed through all stages of growth.
Click here for more details.