Almost nothing could be more central to the economy than agriculture. Food, livestock and now even energy (biofuels) depend on it. In California alone, agriculture is a $32 billion industry. Agriculture colleges in Los Angeles offer the chance to get a head start in this increasingly important sector.

Agriculture today isn't just about farming. For every farmer in the field, there are a number of scientists, executives, retailers and agricultural inspectors in the industry. Animal health is also a major part of agriculture. This means that prospective agriculture students should be interested in science, especially biology or chemistry. However, there are also significant opportunities for business-minded students to enter agriculture, with a degree such as agribusiness or marketing.

Agriculture Colleges in Los Angeles

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

• Also known as "Cal Poly Pomona," this member of the California State University system offers programs in animal and veterinary science, food marketing and agribusiness management and human nutrition and food sciences. They also have graduate programs in agricultural education, animal science, landscape irrigation science, nutrition and food and plant science.

Pierce College

• Pierce, located in the San Fernando Valley, is a community college that focuses primarily on agriculture. The campus covers 426 acres and includes farmhouses for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry for the students to conduct hands-on learning.

UCLA Extension

• This branch college of UCLA offers certification in gardening and horticulture.

Career Outlook for Los Angeles Agriculture Students

Students who receive degrees in agriculture will find a wide-open job market. The median age of agricultural-sector workers in California is just over 50, so there is room for a new generation of agriculture experts to emerge and join the workforce. An entry-level agricultural inspector can expect to make a little over $30,000 per year. Additional certification can boost that salary to over $70,000 after about two years. Los Angeles agriculture students can also find lucrative work in the area of animal health.