University offers new dual-degree program in agricultural science and economics
Alfalfa grows in a field in northern Nevada. The new dual-degree program in agricultural science and economics is aimed at growing the state’s ag industry. Photo by Robert Moore
by Claudene Wharton
In order to succeed in agriculture, producers not only need to understand the science of growing crops and animals, but also the economics of running a business – fixed and variable costs, return on investment, price fluctuations, food markets and more. With the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development recognizing agriculture as one of Nevada’s key industries, the University of Nevada, Reno has created a new program to allow students to obtain both a Bachelor of Science in agricultural science and a Bachelor of Arts in economics in four years.
The new program is a collaboration of the University’s College of Business and its College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. Agriculture is rapidly expanding in Nevada, with a 60.4% increase in jobs over the past decade, compared to just a 7.4% increase nationally. In addition to making sure producers have both the agriculture science knowledge and business acumen they need to succeed, the new dual-degree program aims to provide the state with experts who can analyze data, national and international trade, and public policy related to agriculture, and help guide the industry, serving as resources for the state’s producers.
“One major thrust of our College is to address the issue of food security, and that means being able to produce more food locally, without having to rely on food grown hundreds and even thousands of miles away,” said Bill Payne, dean of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. “Another thrust is to help our state prosper economically. This partnership with our colleagues in the College of Business helps us work toward both of these goals.”
Read the entire article at Nevada Today: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2021/dual-ag-econ-major