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About the Profession

Agricultural and Biological Engineering is the discipline of engineering that applies engineering principles and the fundamental concepts of biology to agricultural and biological systems and tools, ranging in scale from molecular to ecosystem level, for the safe, efficient and environmentally sensitive production, processing, and management of agricultural, biological, food, and natural resources systems.

--ASABE Board of Trustees, Agricultural and Biological Engineering within ASABE – Definition


An illustration that shows the scope and impact of the agricultural and biological engineering profession

Agricultural and biological engineers ensure that we have the necessities of life. They help provide safe and plentiful food and water, clean fuel and energy sources, and a healthy environment. 

Agricultural and biological 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 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 protecting people, animals, and the environment.