Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD marked another successful year of the National Ploughing Championships with Skillnet Ireland. Thousands of attendees visited the Skillnet Ireland exhibit at the Government of Ireland Village, where farmers, agri-businesses and members of the public learned more about the extensive range of upskilling and workforce development supports available to businesses within Ireland's agri-food sector.
Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, said: “Ireland's farming and agri-food sector is a cornerstone of our economy and a vital source of employment and opportunity across rural communities. I welcome the funding by my Department through Skillnet Ireland to support farmers and agri-food businesses. Investing in skills development is essential to ensure businesses adapt, innovate and become as competitive as they can be. Farmers can avail of an array of training programmes through Skillnet Ireland, with courses available in AI, financial management, organics, succession planning and everything in between. The programmes are developed with farmers and food producers in mind, to provide opportunities to develop practical skills and expertise that supports productivity, growth and innovation for long-term success.”
As Ireland's national workforce development agency, Skillnet Ireland works closely with industry to address emerging skills needs and support the continued growth, competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food sector. Through the dedicated Skillnet Business Networks, Farm Business Skillnet, ICOS Skillnet, Macra Agricultural Skillnet, National Organic Training Skillnet and XLVets Ireland Skillnet, businesses can access industry-led training tailored to the evolving needs of the sector.
Mark Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The National Ploughing Championships provides an important opportunity for businesses at the heart of Ireland's agri-food sector to engage with Skillnet Ireland and gain an understanding of the government-funded supports that are available to them. Through our network of Skillnets, we are helping enterprises to build the capabilities to innovate, improve productivity, and to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the green and digital transitions. By investing in skills, we are supporting the future competitiveness and resilience of one of Ireland's most important indigenous sectors.”
Across the agriculture sector, the latest available data shows that over 6,000 farm businesses and 9,750 trainees engaged with Skillnet Ireland programmes, with more than 47,000 training days delivered. Through these supports, businesses are developing the capabilities needed to improve performance, embrace new technologies and prepare for future challenges.
From organic farmers, growers and processors to food businesses, the programmes delivered by Skillnet Business Networks address critical needs such as digital transformation, environmental stewardship and advanced farm management practices. These supports equip agricultural enterprises with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving market demands, embrace sustainable practices and harness emerging technologies.
In its most recent annually reported figures, Skillnet Ireland supported over 23,000 businesses through its workforce development programmes, with more than 84,500 people trained and approximately 715,500 training days delivered across the Irish economy.
Businesses of any size can access Skillnet Ireland supports and participate in a Skillnet Business Network or National Initiative relevant to their sector or region. Sector-specific and regional upskilling supports can be viewed on the Skillnet Ireland website at www.skillnetireland.ie/sectors.
To hear from businesses that have benefited from engaging with Skillnet Business Networks operating in the agricultural sector, visit www.skillnetireland.ie/success-stories.