In the early twentieth century, even in industrialized countries, production of the world's food supply required the labor of at least half the population. Today, thanks in large part to advancements made by biological and agricultural engineers, developed countries can accomplish this using only a slim 2% of their populations. And engineering efforts have not been limited to food production: fiber, timber, and energy products, as well as the technologies, equipment, and precious natural resources required to produce them, have all benefited from the talents and vision of biological and agricultural engineers.

Now, new challenges present themselves. As world population swells, more food, energy, and goods are required. But our limited natural resources demand that we produce more with less, that higher productivity does not degrade our environment, and that we search for new ways to use agricultural products, byproducts, and wastes. Biological and agricultural engineers are responding with viable, environmentally sustainable solutions, the success of which is expanding career opportunities in renewable energy, food safety, bioprocesses and more.

Just What is Biological and Agricultural Engineering?

Biological and agricultural engineers ensure that we have the necessities of life: safe and plentiful food to eat, pure water to drink, clean fuel and energy sources, and a safe, healthy environment in which to live. More specifically, biological and agricultural engineering (BAE) is the application of engineering principles to any process associated with producing agriculturally based goods and management of our natural resources.

Biological and agricultural engineers. . .

• Devise practical, efficient solutions for producing, storing, transporting, processing, and packaging agricultural products
• Solve problems related to systems, processes, and machines that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, and biological materials.
• Develop solutions for responsible, alternative uses of agricultural products, byproducts and wastes and of our natural resources - soil, water, air, and energy.

And they do all this with a constant eye toward improved protection of people, animals, and the environment. Meet a few of these amazing individuals. Learn about careers.

Who Employs Biological and Agricultural Engineers?

3M Abbott Labs AGCO Anheuser Busch Archer Daniels Midland BASF Briggs & Stratton Campbell's Soup Caterpillar CH2M Hill Case Corp Dole Dow Chemical Exxon Mobil Florida Light & Power Ford Motor Co

General Mills Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance John Deere Kellogg's Lockheed Martin M & M Mars Monsanto Morton Buildings NASA New Holland Ralston Purina Sunkist USDA Agricultural Research Service USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service US Department of Energy US Environmental Protection Agency

Is this the career for you? Learn more.