Agriculture & Food Systems
Explore the world of agriculture. From growing food to sustainable farming practices, this pathway helps you understand food systems, develop gardening skills, and discover careers in farming, food production, and environmental sustainability.
Career Alignment:
Agronomist
Farmer
Crop Consultant
Food Scientist
Livestock Manager
Horticulturist
Environmental Specialist
Agricultural Inspector
Building your Award:
Find Bronze Award examples to support activity planning
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 weeks):
Over 13 weeks, I’ll spend 1 hour per week developing my gardening skills. I’ll grow at least 3 different vegetables or herbs from seed, documenting the process and tracking what I learn.
Example Assessor:
Gardening expert, community garden coordinator, or agricultural teacher
Example ORB Log:
Planted seeds today following spacing guidelines from my research. I improved my soil preparation by adding compost. Set up a watering schedule. I will be checking for germination soon.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 weeks):
Farm work is physical. For 13 weeks, I’ll build strength and endurance through 1 hour of fitness activities each week like lifting, carrying, or general training.
Example Assessor:
Gym teacher, fitness instructor, or farm supervisor
Example ORB Log:
Did a strength workout focusing on practical movements today. I improved my form and felt the difference when moving bags of soil in the garden afterward.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 weeks):
I want to help address food security in my community. For 13 weeks, I’ll volunteer 1 hour per week at a community garden or food bank, helping grow or distribute fresh food.
Example Assessor:
Community garden coordinator, food bank supervisor, or program manager
Example ORB Log:
Planted rows of vegetables and weeded the beds today. I improved my technique: pulling weeds from the base so roots come out. The harvest goes to local food banks. Learning composting next week.
(Completed as a team. Participants will work together to plan and complete their journey.)
Example Activity:
Visit local farms, farmers’ markets, and food production facilities with your team. Learn about sustainable farming, meet producers, and trace the journey food takes from farm to table.
Example Team Goal:
Our team will visit at least 4 agricultural sites, interview farmers about their work, document sustainable practices, and create a presentation about local food systems.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
Farmer, agricultural educator, or Award Leader
