Foundations of Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources
This course develops a foundation in each of the career pathways in agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR), including the global scope of agriculture; concepts in plant, animal, and food science; natural resources and environmental systems; agricultural skills and safety in power, structural, and technical systems; and agribusiness. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Notes
Class Size Regulation
The Virginia Administrative Code regulates the class size for this course. For additional information, see 8VAC20-120-150, "Maximum class size," or contact the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at cte@doe.virginia.gov.
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Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
- Agricultural Business Fundamentals I (36 Weeks)
- Biological Applications in Agriculture (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (36 Weeks)
- Food Science and Dietetics (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Animal Systems (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Natural Resources & Ecology Systems (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Plant Systems (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Power, Structural, and Technical Systems (36 Weeks)
- Small Engine Repair (36 Weeks)
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 112022 | Sales Managers | No |
| 451011 | First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | No |
| 292056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | No |
| 319096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | No |
| 392011 | Animal Trainers | Yes |
| 452099 | Agricultural Workers, All Other | No |
| 172081 | Environmental Engineers | No |
| 192041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | No |
| 194042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | No |
| 195011 | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | Yes |
| 372021 | Pest Control Workers | No |
| 474041 | Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | No |
| 499021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | Yes |
| 518031 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | Yes |
| 537081 | Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | No |
| 151232 | Computer User Support Specialists | Yes |
| 194031 | Chemical Technicians | No |
| 431011 | First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | No |
| 513021 | Butchers and Meat Cutters | No |
| 513023 | Slaughterers and Meat Packers | No |
| 513092 | Food Batchmakers | No |
| 513093 | Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders | No |
| 513099 | Food Processing Workers, All Other | No |
| 119121 | Natural Sciences Managers | No |
| 173027 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Yes |
| 173029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | Yes |
| 194071 | Forest and Conservation Technicians | No |
| 399032 | Recreation Workers | No |
| 537011 | Conveyor Operators and Tenders | No |
| 537051 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | No |
| 194021 | Biological Technicians | No |
| 373011 | Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | No |
| 373013 | Tree Trimmers and Pruners | No |
| 452091 | Agricultural Equipment Operators | Yes |
| 514041 | Machinists | Yes |
| 514121 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Yes |
| 493011 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | No |
| 493042 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | Yes |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Agribusiness Systems |
|
| Animal Systems |
|
| Environmental Service Systems |
|
| Food Products & Processing Systems |
|
| Natural Resources Systems |
|
| Plant Systems |
|
| Power, Structural, & Technical Systems |
|
