Manitoba Institute of Agrologists

The primary role of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists is to regulate practicing agrologists in Manitoba in the public interest. Under authority of The Agrologists Act of Manitoba, registered professionals share the responsibility of self-governance so that standards of practice and ethical conduct are followed. Registration to practice agrology is required in Manitoba and most other provinces in Canada.

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MIA?

The Manitoba Institute of Agrologists is a self-regulatory body. Its main responsibilities are derived from The Agrologists Act and relate mainly to regulating the practice of agrology to protect the public.

What is an agrologist?

An agrologist is a professional who is a member of a provincial institute of agrology. Practicing agrology includes "every act, with or without reward, which has as its objective the experimentation with or the giving of advice with respect to the principles, laws or practices relating to the production, improvement, use, processing or marketing of agricultural products, crops or livestock." In Manitoba, only members of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists can legally call themselves agrologists.

Agrologists are farmers, right?

Some farmers are agrologists but farmers are not required to be members unless they hold themselves out to be an agrologist.

Who can become an Agrologist?

Those who meet the criteria established by Provincial Council can be considered for one of the following designations:

Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) status may be granted to those who hold a degree from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba or a degree deemed to be its equivalent and who have a minimum of three years' work experience in agriculture after their academic training. Persons with acceptable advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) may be considered for P.Ag. status with only one year of work-related experience.
Technical Agrologist (Tech.Ag.) status may be granted to those who have a diploma in agriculture from the School of Agriculture, University of Manitoba or a diploma in Agribusiness or Precision Agriculture from Assiniboine Community College and who have a minimum of three years' work experience in agriculture after their academic training.
Agrologist in Training (AIT) is the initial designation for all new applicants. MIA requires that several additional requirements are met before full status is granted as a Technical Agrologist or Professional Agrologist.

Are there different kinds of memberships?

There are two categories of registration and membership in the MIA: practicing and non-practicing. Practicing category:

Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.)
Technical Agrologist (Tech. Ag.)
Agrologist in Training

Non-practising categories include:

Affiliate: For members eligible for a practicing designation, but who do not wish to practice agrology at the current time.
Associate: For members who do not meet the educational requirements for membership, but still wish to be associated with MIA.

Will becoming a member help me find a job?

By becoming an agrologist and using the appropriate designation, you are indicating to employers and the public that you meet the requirements for professional practice and that you are registered as required by law.

What type of career opportunities are there for an agrologist?

The career opportunities are many and varied. Not only are there the traditional career areas that have always been part of the agricultural and agri-food industry but there are new areas such as biotechnology, functional foods and nutraceuticals, and quality assurance and food safety.

How many female agrologists are there?

Female agrologists make up about 25% of the membership of MIA.