Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Precision Agriculture Technology
Career Cluster:	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

AS	
CIP Number	1101000001	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	60 credit hours	
CTSO	FFA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the Master Credential List for this program’s assigned SOC codes. https://careersourceflorida.com/boardroom/florida-credentials-review-committee-draft/master-credentials-list/	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

The content includes but is not limited to the principles and practices of precision agriculture, including geospatial technologies; data collection and analysis; and the operation and maintenance of advanced agricultural equipment. Students will gain proficiency in soil and water management, integrated pest and nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring environmentally responsible and economically viable operations. The program emphasizes the application of emerging technologies such as robotics, IoT, and artificial intelligence, alongside the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Graduates will be prepared to address complex agricultural challenges, comply with industry regulations, and adapt to global trends in agriculture, positioning them for successful careers in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources sector or for further academic study. 

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency; and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster. 

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 60 credit hours.

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Meet the general education core course requirements of Rule 6A-14.0303, Florida Administrative Code.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related CCC and ATD credentials.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will have demonstrated mastery the following student learning outcomes:

01.0	 Explain the principles of precision agriculture. 
02.0	 Utilize geospatial technologies in agricultural applications. 
03.0	 Operate and maintain precision agriculture equipment. 
04.0	 Implement data collection and management techniques for agricultural systems. 
05.0	 Apply soil health management practices. 
06.0	 Utilize water resource management strategies. 
07.0	 Conduct crop monitoring and management using precision techniques. 
08.0	 Analyze economic principles relevant to precision agriculture. 
09.0	 Develop integrated pest and nutrient management plans. 
10.0	 Evaluate emerging technologies in precision agriculture. 
11.0	 Implement climate-smart agricultural strategies. 
12.0	 Demonstrate workplace readiness and professionalism. 
13.0	 Apply regulations and safety protocols in agricultural operations. 
14.0	 Perform communication activities.  

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Precision Agriculture Technology
CIP Number:		1101000001
Program Length:	60 credit hours

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Explain the principles of precision agriculture. The student will be able to:​ 	
01.01	Define the core concepts and objectives of precision agriculture.	
01.02	Explain the benefits of precision agriculture in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.	
01.03	Describe the historical development and adoption of precision agriculture technologies.	
01.04	Identify the challenges and limitations associated with precision farming.	
02.0	​​Utilize geospatial technologies in agricultural applications. The student will be able to:​ 	
02.01	Use GPS technology for field navigation, mapping, and data collection.	
02.02	Create field maps using GIS software to analyze spatial data.	
02.03	Interpret prescription maps for variable-rate applications.	
02.04	Integrate multiple layers of geospatial data for management zone analysis.	
03.0	Operate and maintain precision agriculture equipment. The student will be able to:​ 	
03.01	Operate precision planting, fertilizing, and spraying equipment.	
03.02	Calibrate precision machinery for accurate data collection and input application.	
03.03	Troubleshoot and maintain common hardware and software systems used in precision agriculture.	
03.04	Evaluate the performance of precision equipment in real-world agricultural operations.	
04.0	​​Implement data collection and management techniques for agricultural systems. The student will be able to:​ 	
04.01	Collect data using sensors, drones, and remote sensing platforms.	
04.02	Organize and store agricultural data in compliance with industry standards.	
04.03	Analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and variability in agricultural systems.	
04.04	Use digital tools to create reports and visualizations.      	
04.05	Address ethical considerations in data collection, use, and sharing.	
04.06	Utilize farm management software for data analysis and decision-making.	
04.07	Generate reports and maps to inform agricultural operations.	
04.08	Integrate cloud-based systems for real-time collaboration and data sharing.	
04.09	Ensure data security and compliance with privacy standards.	
05.0	Apply soil health management practices. The student will be able to: 	
05.01	Conduct soil sampling using grid and zone sampling techniques.	
05.02	Analyze soil test results to develop site-specific fertility plans.	
05.03	Recommend practices to improve soil health, such as cover cropping and reduced tillage.	
05.04	Monitor soil properties over time to assess the impact of management practices.	
05.05	Monitor and enhance soil organic matter and biodiversity.	
06.0	Utilize water resource management strategies. The student will be able to: 	
06.01	Design and manage irrigation systems using precision agriculture tools.	
06.02	Monitor soil moisture levels using sensors and other technologies.	
06.03	Implement variable-rate irrigation (VRI) to optimize water use.	
06.04	Evaluate the impact of irrigation practices on water conservation and crop health.	
07.0	Conduct crop monitoring and management using precision techniques. The student will be able to: 	
07.01	Use remote sensing and drones to monitor crop health and identify stress areas.	
07.02	Develop site-specific strategies for pest, disease, and weed management.	
07.03	Evaluate crop performance using yield monitors and other post-harvest data.	
07.04	Implement in-season adjustments based on real-time monitoring data.	
08.0	Analyze economic principles relevant to precision agriculture. The student will be able to: 	
08.01	Conduct cost-benefit analyses for precision agriculture technologies.	
08.02	Assess the return on investment (ROI) for variable-rate applications and equipment.	
08.03	Develop budgets and financial models for precision agriculture operations.	
08.04	Evaluate the economic impacts of precision agriculture on long-term profitability.	
09.0	Develop integrated pest and nutrient management plans. The student will be able to: 	
09.01	Develop site-specific integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.	
09.02	Use prescription maps for precise nutrient and pesticide applications.	
09.03	Monitor pest and nutrient dynamics to evaluate management effectiveness.	
09.04	Incorporate sustainability into pest and nutrient management plans.	
10.0	Evaluate emerging technologies in precision agriculture. The student will be able to: 	
10.01	Identify the potential impact and applications of emerging technological innovations in precision agriculture.	
10.02	Monitor advancements in automation, connectivity, and intelligent systems.	
10.03	Assess the role of digital technologies in improving data management and traceability.	
11.0	Implement climate-smart agricultural strategies. The student will be able to: 	
11.01	Integrate precision technologies to address climate variability and extremes.	
11.02	Develop strategies for drought and flood resilience.	
11.03	Monitor greenhouse gas emissions and implement carbon sequestration practices.	
12.0	Demonstrate workplace readiness and professionalism. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills for agricultural challenges.	
12.02	Exhibit professionalism, teamwork, and adaptability in the workplace.	
12.03	Demonstrate effective time management skills.	
12.04	Identify and demonstrate acceptable work habits.	
13.0	Apply regulations and safety protocols in agricultural operations. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Identify local, state, and federal regulations relevant to precision agriculture.	
13.02	Follow and demonstrate safety procedures when operating drones, machinery, and chemicals to ensure compliance with safety standards.	
13.03	Identify best practices for environmental and data management compliance.	
14.0	Perform communication activities. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Prepare, outline, and deliver an effective short oral presentation. 	
14.02	Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.	
14.03	Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on problem-solving activities. 	
14.04	Give, follow, and interpret oral and written communication. 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes 

Planned and supervised occupational activities may be provided through directed laboratory experiences, practicums, or cooperative learning experiences. When the cooperative method of instruction is utilized, the following is required for each student: a training plan, signed by the student, instructor, and employer, outlining instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experiences. The workstation must include equipment, skills, and tasks relevant to the precision agriculture technology field and align with the student’s chosen career goals. Students may receive compensation for work performed during their cooperative learning experience.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication 
•	Humanities
•	Mathematics 
•	Natural Sciences
•	Social Sciences

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Florida Future Farmers Association (FFA) is the co-curricular career and technical student organization(s) providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.