Agrology is a broad multidisciplinary field that encompasses the natural, economic, and social sciences related to environmental protection, horticulture, aquaculture, viticulture, rangelands, silviculture, agri-tech, and natural resources management, and other related areas.

The British Columbia Institute of Agrologists protects the public by regulating the profession of agrology, ensuring safe, competent, and ethical agrology practices in British Columbia.

Founded in 1947, the BCIA is the self-governing regulator of approximately 1800 registered agrologists in BC.

The Professional Governance Act gives BCIA the mandate and the responsibility to license agrologists and regulate the practice of agrology in the province. Only those who are registered with BCIA and who maintain their credentials are entitled to practice agrology and use their respective designation and or title in BC.

Download: "The Profession of Agrology, 2022: A summary of the history, development, accreditation, registration pathways, practice areas, regulated practices & reserved practices of the profession of agrology within the province of British Columbia as of September 1, 2022.

 

What is an Agrologist?

Agrologists are leaders in environmental protection who provide business information and services based on their knowledge of resource economics. Agrologists work across various industries, including food production and ecosystem sustainability. Agrologists are in many roles, e.g., scientists, educators, inspectors, technicians, consultants, and managers, working to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of British Columbia's natural resources.

  • Regulated by legislation;
  • Bound by a Code of Ethics;
  • Mandated to protect the public's interest in natural and sustainable resources;
  • Committed to continuing professional development;
  • Protect the public interest within the practice of agrology

The Practice of Agrology, Defined

In BC, the "Practice of Agrology" is defined by the Professional Governance Act as:

 The “practice of agrology,” subject to subsection (2), means the provision of any of the following advice or services:

1. (a) Advice or services that

i. Are based on agricultural or natural sciences or agricultural or resource economics, and

ii. Relate to:

  (A) Cultivation, production, improvement, processing, marketing or management of aquatic or terrestrial plants or animals,

  (B) Classification, management, use, conservation, protection or enhancements of aquatic, terrestrial or atmospheric ecosystems that are affected by, sustain or have the potential to sustain the cultivation or production of aquatic or terrestrial plants or animals, or

  (C) Restoration, reclamation or remediation of aquatic, terrestrial or atmospheric ecosystems;

  (b) Advice or services that are ancillary to those described in paragraph (a).

2. The practice of agrology does not include

  (a) the provision of advice or services within the reserved practice of a Registrant of another regulatory body, or  

  (b)  a normal farm practice, as defined in the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act by a person on the person's land*.

For the new stipulation of reserved practice, the above-noted provisions can be called "agrology purposes."

*To define an “owner” of “own land” under the Agrologist Regulation as a person who:
a) Is in possession,
b) Has the right of control, or
c) Occupies or controls the use

Of real property, and includes, without limitation, a person who has an estate or interest, legal or equitable, in the real property, but does not include a secured creditor.

The Agrologist Regulation under the Professional Governance Act.

What Agrologists Do?

Videos about Agrology

 

 

Why Become an Agrologist?

As of September 1, 2022, only Agrologists have the right to practice agrology or be called an Agrologist in British Columbia.

Only individuals registered with the BC Institute of Agrologists can legally use the titles of Professional Agrologist, Articling Agrologist, Technical Agrologist, or Articling Technical Agrologist and work within the practice of agrology in British Columbia.  

Related Benefits

  • Accreditation: Registrants are verified to comply with high standards that qualify them as competent professional practitioners in their respective fields.
  • Provides a Professional Designation: Registration in the Institute allows the usage of the appropriate designation PAg, AAg, TAg, or ATAg.
  • Use of a Professional Seal: Ability to use the Professional "Seal of Approval" – Professional Agrologists (PAgs) and Technical Agrologists (TAgs) may use the Institute's PAg/TAg seal on documents as an assurance of credentials.
  • Standards of Excellence and Public Responsibility: Indicates professionalism to the Public. You are viewed as a professional, just as a doctor, lawyer, or chartered accountant, and this implies public trust in your ethics and competency; the Professional Oath sets the standard.
  • Professional Development Opportunities: The Institute and Branches provide Registrants with PD opportunities and resources to continually acquire new knowledge and skills, which sustains and enhances competence.
  • Professional Interaction: Registrants have many opportunities to network with their peers through professional development opportunities and their respective business contacts. BCIA Registrants present expertise in many aspects of agriculture, environmental and natural resources, and the agri-food industry. Career opportunities exist in all levels of government, education, and research, primary production, and agri-tech.
  • Advancing the Profession: BCIA Registrants contribute to decision-making, policy drafting and implementation, academic and corporate research, symposiums, conferences, and more. In addition, volunteer leadership positions are available on BCIA's Council, BCIA's Branches, committees, and working group(s).  

As part of BCIA, Agrologists:

  • Support activities for the advancement of the profession;
  • Participate in the activities of BCIA, i.e., meetings, elections, holding office, mentoring;
  • Promote the practice of agrology in a network of contacts and communications;
  • Participate in promotional/professional development initiatives organized by BCIA.
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