Tuesday, October 13, 2015

A THRIVING agricultural sector is Wexford’s key to economic growth.
That was the contention of an assembled panel of speakers at the official launch of the new Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness at the Wexford Campus of Carlow I.T. last Friday afternoon.
The model county currently produces 10% of Ireland’s total agricultural output.
While the sector may be performing strongly, it was felt throughout the local farming community that there was a strong need to deliver formal educational qualifications in this field, so to speak.
Hence, the concept of devising a programme of this nature which will combine real life industry experience with laboratory hours and conventional classroom lectures was mooted.
The course came into being following a motion put forward by the Monageer branch of the IFA over six years ago. The strong need for the development of an academic qualification for young innovative farmers who are the future of the tertiary sector was expressed by local members.
“This course will be of great benefit to a county like Wexford that is very much reliant on agriculture,” said county IFA chairman Pat Murray.
IFA leadership have also endorsed the programme, with the organisation’s national president Eddie Downey addressing the large crowd in attendance at the launch proceedings.
“Our economy is in a fragile state of recovery…we have come through CAP reform and the abolition of milk quotas and now we can finally see a future,” said Mr Downey.
He noted that the new Bachelor of Science programme encapsulates the “sustainable” nature of the agribusiness sector, which has come through the most difficult period in recent economic history and yet it can offer the most sustainable source of employment moving into the future.
The institute has also forged strong ties with Teagasc for the delivery of the scientific components of the course. Representing Teagasc, Professor Gerry Boyle also took to the podium to welcome the commencement of the degree in September 2016.
Similarly, the FBD Trust has offered a financial backing to the development of the four year degree programme.
Government Chief Whip and Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe was on hand to official launch the course, in conjunction with President of the Institute of Technology Carlow Patricia Mulcahy.
“The main focus is on preparing those who work, or who plan to work, in the farming and agri-food sector, for the challenges facing farming in the 21st century. These sectors have for centuries been the backbone of the Irish economy, competing at an international level and developing an Irish reputation for quality, generations before other sectors,” said Paul Kehoe.

He continued: “The sector has always adapted to change and courses such as those being developed here will continue to guarantee Ireland’s position as a world leader in this sector. These programmes are looking towards a changing environment in which the farmer will need to be as competent in operating a GPS system, or drawing up a business plan, as he or she will be in tending to animals or crops.”
A special feature of the course is the 24-week work placement in a relevant farm or agricultural business and multiple site visits to farms and organic food producers for best practice demonstration and practical skill development.
The academic team responsible for developing the programme stressed the importance of close ties with the real-life business models in the local agribusiness industry.
For further details or to enquire about applications, contact the Wexford Campus on 053 9185800.