Book excerpt: Whether you're a student or a professional ready for a career change, you'll find in this invaluable book everything you need to know to start an exciting career or change the direction of your current career in agriculture, food, and natural resources. Agriculture encompasses much more than the production, marketing, and distribution of food. People involved in the agriculture industry also work to produce raw materials for clothing, shelter, energy, and medicine, as well as to provide opportunities for recreation. Whether you want to work on a farm or ranch, at a fish hatchery, in a greenhouse, or in a scientific laboratory, there are a variety of opportunities available in agriculture, food, and natural resources. Career Opportunities in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources profiles more than 95 jobs, including Organic Farmer Vineyard Manager Fishery Biologist Forester Agricultural Engineer Farm Equipment Mechanic Commodity Broker Meat Cutter Floral Designer Veterinarian Agritourism Operator Wildlife Rehabilitator Throughout this helpful career guide, the reader will find a quick-reference Career Profile for each job summarizing its notable features, a Career Ladder illustrating frequent routes to and from the position described, and a comprehensive text pointing out special skills, education, training, and various associations relevant to each post. Appendixes include educational and training programs, professional unions and associations, government agencies, and Internet resources. Book jacket.