Rationale

Accounting reliant on its primary industries. The sustainable management of Australia’s finite land and water resources is vital for the continued production and supply of food and fibre to local, national and global markets. VCE Agricultural and Horticultural Studies provides opportunities for students to experience and understand these primary industries.

VCE Agricultural and Horticultural Studies is designed to develop students’ understanding of the operations and practices involved with sustainable agricultural and horticultural systems within an economic, social and environmental context. This study allows students to develop and apply theoretical knowledge and skills to real world business and practices. An understanding of agribusiness operations involves a broad familiarity with interdisciplinary skills and knowledge of technology, science, economics and business management, marketing, geography and information and communications technology (ICT). Students apply their acquired knowledge and skills to design, develop and manage an agricultural and/or horticultural business as a project within this study.

The study provides a contextual overview of the scientific, management and operational skills and knowledge required to run a small agricultural and/or horticultural business. The study considers current and future practices within the Australian and international agribusiness sector. Students are expected to research change and innovation with regard to agricultural and/or horticultural businesses, responding to a range of drivers and demands.

The broad applied nature of the study of agribusiness operations prepares students to make decisions about career opportunities or further studies in agriculture, horticulture, land management, agricultural business practice and natural resource management. It complements the skills focus of competency- based training
available through VET certificates in Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management.
 

Aims

This study enables students to:

• develop an interdisciplinary approach to the study of agriculture and horticulture

• gain an understanding of the role of agriculture and horticulture in a local, national and global

  economy

• understand scientific methodologies and applications in agriculture and horticulture

• understand the concepts of environmental, economic and social sustainability as applied to

  agriculture and horticulture

• develop knowledge and skills associated with ethical and sustainable land, plant and animal

  management

• understand the systems and activities required to operate a variety of agribusinesses

• develop an awareness of the innovative practices being developed by and applied to a variety

  of agricultural and/or horticultural businesses.

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Structure

The study is made up of four units.
Unit 1: Agricultural and horticultural operations
Unit 2: Production
Unit 3: Technology, innovation and business practices
Unit 4: Sustainable management