Regulated Practice
BCIA has consistently maintained that to achieve the primary objective of the Professional Governance Act of protecting the public interest, all agrology professionals must be qualified, competent and accountable through regulated practice. The definition of the regulated practice of agrology under the Professional Governance Act is detailed in the Agrologists Regulation. The regulation does not, in and of itself, provide practice rights to the agrology profession; instead, it is the foundation upon which we can define what is called under the Professional Governance Act "Reserved Practice'.
Advice or services that are based on agricultural or natural sciences or agricultural or resource economics and 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;
or that supports that advice or services. The practice of agrology does not include the provision of advice or services within the reserved practice of a Registrant of another regulatory body OR 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.
Reserved Practice or practice rights
By an Order in Council dated September 13, 2021, the government of BC granted practice rights to the profession of agrology within the province.
Those rights, which become enforceable on September 1, 2022, ensure that certain agrology services can only be provided by Registrants of BCIA or by a Registrant of other professions that have reached an agreement with BCIA concerning overlapping jurisdiction.
Anyone practicing agrology as defined in the Agrologists Regulation must be registered with the BC Institute of Agrologists.
Important Documents:
- BCIA Reserved Practice Communication and Engagement Plan
- BCIA Practice Areas - A Summary for Registrants and Applicants
- The Profession of Agrology - A Summary
Reserved Title or title rights
The Agrologists Regulation maintains exclusive use of the title for Registrants in good standing with the BC Institute of Agrologists.
These include:
- Professional Agrologist (PAg)
- Articling Agrologist (AAg)
- Technical Agrologist (TAg)
- Articling Technical Agrologist (ATAg)
- Limited License Agrologist (LLAg)
No individual may present themselves with any of these titles without contravention of the Professional Governance Act.
BCIA Bylaws
Upon enacting the Professional Governance Act, Council approved the new BCIA Bylaws, which incorporate any necessary changes and additions required by the PGA. The Bylaws guide BCIA forward as the profession of agrology upholds its protection of the public interest and assists in the responsible development of British Columbia's natural resources and environmental sectors under the Professional Governance Act.