South Piedmont Community College is launching an Agribusiness Technology certificate program in Fall 2025. Designed as an intensive, 18‑credit curriculum spread over three semesters, the program aims to equip students — from aspiring farmers to agricultural entrepreneurs — with the skills needed to thrive in today’s expanding Agri-economy.
Agribusiness is more than farming — it’s a cornerstone of North Carolina’s economy, employing nearly 16% of the state’s workforce and contributing billions to its Gross Domestic Product. In Union County alone, over 189 agribusiness jobs are currently available, with dozens more open in neighboring Anson County. These are not just jobs — they are opportunities for skilled professionals to make a difference in local food systems, sustainability, and economic growth.
“North Carolina is home to more than 42,000 farms and 8 million acres of farmland,” said Department Chair of Business, Education, and Social Sciences Stephanie Gilbert.
“There’s never been a better time to get involved in agriculture — not just as a worker, but as an innovator and leader.”
The new program offers students a direct pathway into careers that pay well and offer room to grow. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for agribusiness professionals in North Carolina is over $103,000, with top earners bringing in more than $127,000.
But the Agribusiness Technology Program at South Piedmont is more than numbers. It’s about sustainability, innovation, and real-world impact.
Crystal Starkes is the passionate and knowledgeable instructor behind the Intro to Sustainable Agriculture course at South Piedmont Community College. With a strong background in regenerative farming and hands-on environmental stewardship, Starkes brings real-world experience into the classroom.
“In Intro to Sustainable Agriculture, I get students thinking about big-picture questions — like how we’re going to feed billions of people by 2050,” she said. “It’s more than just growing crops. We focus on protecting our land, improving the quality of farming, and ensuring access to nutritious, sustainable food for generations to come.”
South Piedmont Agribusiness students will learn to protect the environment and secure food systems through hands-on experiences in soil health, water efficiency, and regenerative agriculture. They’ll collect and analyze soil samples, install drip irrigation systems to conserve water, and plant cover crops like clover to prevent erosion and improve land quality.
Technology is also at the forefront of the program. From GPS-guided tractors and drone surveillance to digital farm management software and climate-smart farming, students will gain practical skills with tools that are reshaping the future of agriculture.
Students won’t just study, they will take part in hands-on projects. Through partnerships with local farms, agribusinesses, and industry leaders, students will build real relationships, take part in apprenticeships, and explore multiple career paths in areas such as animal science, environmental sustainability, and Agri-entrepreneurship.
“The Agribusiness program is a great opportunity for anyone curious about where our food comes from and how it moves from the farm to the consumer,” Starkes said.
“Whether you’re interested in gardening, horticulture, nutrition, or just love being outdoors, there’s something here for you. Even if you’re more drawn to the business side — maybe you have a family member who owns an agribusiness, and you want to help make it more profitable— this program gives you the tools to make a real difference. It’s also about exploring how we can use food to connect with and serve our communities.”
South Piedmont’s new Agribusiness Technology program is a fast, flexible, and affordable way to jump-start your future in agriculture. Whether you’re planning to run your own farm, work in Agri-Marketing, or explore sustainable food systems, this program gives you the skills and knowledge to grow a successful career — right here at home.
For more information about the Agribusiness program please visit: https://spcc.edu/programs/agribusiness/