FAQ (Why Register)

Why Become a Registered Agrologist

Registering as an agrologist with Agrologists Manitoba is a requirement of The Agrologists Act if you are practicing agrology* in Manitoba. 

*Practising 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.

Only registered members of Agrologists Manitoba are legally entitled to practise agrology in the Province of Manitoba.

Practicing Agrology in Manitoba – Questions about Registration

  1. Why might registration with the Agrologists Manitoba be required?

    Agrology is a regulated profession in Canada including Manitoba. Every person who practices agrology, and is qualified, must be registered with Agrologists Manitoba, unless an exemption is provided under “The Agrologists Act“. Those who are not practicing agrology but meet the education requirements may become registered, but are not required. 

  2. How can I tell if I am practicing agrology?

    Agrology is a remarkably broad profession. Qualified practitioners have a formal science-based education and work in occupations ranging from teaching, research, and policy to extension activities and management of resources associated with agriculture.  “The Agrologists Act” provides a legal definition for practicing agrology that is compared with information from the employer and individual to determine if registration is required. 
    Practising agrology includes, subject to subsection (2), 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.”

  3. Isn’t it just agronomists who need to be registered?

    This is a common misperception however, agronomy and agrology cannot be used interchangeably. Agrology is the occupation which includes several practice areas including (but not limited to):
    -Agronomy
    -Animal Science
    -Environmental Science
    -Agri-business

  4. I have my CCA, should I become registered?

    The Certified Crop Advisor program is valuable technical learning but does not replace professional registration. Practicing agrology (see definition above) requires registration to protect the public and ensure safe, competent practice. 

    Registrants who have a current CCA designation can use their credits towards their Continuing Professional Development. For more information, review the CCA Policy.

  5. Why should I register if others I know are not registered?

    The widening scope of agrology practice and the number of agrology specialties are ahead of our capacity to follow up with everyone. Some people may simply not know about the requirements while some others “fly under the radar” because we don’t know about them.  By voluntarily becoming registered you are doing the right thing; registration benefits you, the organization you work for, and the people and public you serve.

  6. Am I qualified to become registered?

    Check out Education Standards where you can find details about the education qualification standards.

  7. I am a manager or supervisor so why do I need to be registered?

    This can sometimes be a fuzzy area that can usually be cleared up through a cooperative and factual review. Some who manage or supervise other Agrologists feel that if they are not providing direct advice to a client, a farmer, or a customer, they are not practicing agrology. The Act uses the words “every act” to help clarify the requirement. Among other things Agrologists Manitoba may need to determine if an individual is responsible for developing or supervising delivery of agrology advice and knowledge transfer by others, or if she/he is involved in monitoring the quality of the advice given under his/her supervision. If the information shows that an individual is not practicing agrology then registration is not required.

  8. My employer does not require me to become registered, what should I do?

    Employers are responsible for determining the role’s responsibilities, Agrologists Manitoba determines if specific activities are practicing Agrology within the legislation or not. Determinations are fact-based, and Agrologists Manitoba works cooperatively with individuals and employers to understand what they do so that appropriate action will follow. 

  9. I have many years of experience in agriculture but my formal education does not include agrology courses and related natural sciences. With all of my years of experience, am I eligible for registration?

    The requirements for registration to practice agrology as defined in “The Agrologists Act” of Manitoba are detailed on the education page of the website. Requirements include both formal academic achievement and work experience as a regulated professional. The academic requirements are related to the definition of Agrology in the Act. Anyone who is registered and has a permit to practice agrology must be able to demonstrate competency to advise in associated scopes of practice. One of the underpinnings of occupations licensure is that the skills exercised by a regulated professional are derived from and based on a body of theory and knowledge underlying the profession. Without demonstrating the appropriate academic knowledge in agrology, registration would not be granted. You may have seen and referenced “Experienced Applicant” on the website. A closer look at this category will confirm applicants in this category must meet the minimum academic requirements.

  10. Why is legislation needed for Agrology and other professions?

    The Provincial government has in place legislation for approximately 30 self-regulated professions in Manitoba. Over 20 are in health care and the rest, including agrology are in other fields. These are the lawyers, engineers, accountants, and architects to name a few. The government protects the public interest through the legislation. By establishing who needs to become registered and by setting standards in these professions, the public, including employers, and their clients and customers can differentiate who is qualified and entitled to practice. The requirement to be registered assures a level of accountability expected by the public. A similar approach to professional registration is followed in the rest of Canada.

Registration and the associated professional designation indicate that you take a professional approach to your work and your career and means that you are committed to maintaining a standard of competence, fairness, and integrity. It shows that you are accountable and responsible for the advice you provide and the work you do. It demonstrates to your clients, customers, employer, and the public that they can have confidence in your skills. It proves that you are compliant with requirements of “The Agrologists Act” of Manitoba.