Home / Business Networks / Macra Agricultural Skillnet

Network ManagerBrigid Quigley

Network Sector Agriculture / Agri-food

Network Region Dublin, National

Network PromoterMacra na Feirme

Macra Agricultural Skillnet

Training for Young Farmers and those working in the Agri & Food Industry

Network Overview

Macra Agricultural Skillnet is a business network for farmers and the agribusiness sector.

Network companies work collaboratively to share best practice and to respond effectively to the specific skills needs of the sector. The network addresses both technical and non-technical skills needs of members.

The objective of this national network is to enhance farm productivity, efficiency and sustainability through the provision of relevant, practical training to young farmers and others employed in the wider agricultural sector.

Macra Agricultural Skillnet is promoted by Macra na Feirme. Membership of the network is open to young farmers and private enterprises in the agribusiness sector based in the Republic of Ireland.

Supports to Network Member Companies

• Assist farmers to identify and address their skills needs
• Providing practical solutions around recruiting and retaining staff
• Information regarding successful approaches to learning and talent development
• Flexible training programmes tailored to the needs of the sector
• Guidance on achieving value for money when investing in learning and development
• Programmes for current and future leaders
• Certified and non-certified technical training
• Training relating to communication, problem-solving and other core skills
• Advice on gauging the effectiveness of training
• Access to a network of businesses within the sector
• Conferences, seminars, and other informal learning and networking events

Get in Touch

Contact Person
Gillian Richardson
01 426 8905
Visit Website
grichardson@macra.ie

What our members say...

I have found the Macra Agricultural Skillnet to be the best vehicle to achieve my personal aspirations to improve both my farming and business skills and my own personal development. I have completed many technical and personal development courses, from AI and business management to first aid and goal setting, and found each of these courses to have benefited me and my business greatly. The Macra Agricultural Skillnet continues to go from strength to strength. I would encourage all young farmers to engage with the network.

James Barber - Self Employed Farmer

The help and support from Macra Agricultural Skillnet has been very beneficial to the training needs in our organisation and industry. The funding has greatly helped towards the upskilling of our technicians and we plan to co-ordinate more courses into the future. We would highly recommend other agri-businesses turn to the Skillnet Network as a great source of training funding and support.

Peter Byrne - Farm Relief Service Network

Participating in the Macra Agricultural Skillnet programme sharpens the mind on both simple and more complicated redesigns around the yard. This safety knowledge helps reduce exposure to risk in the day-to-day running of the farm. Safety is essential to my farm. After my father had a near miss when I was a child, I grew up with a good understanding of how dangerous simple farm yard machinery can be and how it needs to be respected. My own near miss with a bull two years ago brought home to me how dangerous even normally placid stock can be.

Thomas Duffy - Self Employed Farmer