Farm Business Skillnet, in partnership with Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and FBD Insurance, has selected 30 participants for its national Ready to Lead 2025 programme.
The initiative aims to develop the next generation of leaders within the farming community, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate and influence policy for the agricultural sector.
The programme received over 80 applications from across the country, reflecting the interest and ambition among young farmers to take on leadership roles. The selection process was highly competitive, with candidates demonstrating a deep passion for farming, leadership potential, and a commitment to representing their fellow farmers at local, national, and European level.
Farm Business Skillnet provides upskilling and training programmes to farm businesses and smallholders across the Irish agriculture sector. The Network's mission is to enhance farm productivity and efficiency through the provision of targeted talent development programmes.
Celine Reynolds, Network Manager, Farm Business Skillnet, emphasised the importance of the programme, saying: “Today, leadership skills are as critical as technical skills for all farm enterprises in enabling them to grow their business and respond to the challenges of digitalisation, sustainability and evolving markets. The Ready to Lead programme has been designed in partnership with IFA and FBD Insurance to develop the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in their farms, communities, and the wider economy. Through this programme and other key initiatives, Farm Business Skillnet is committed to supporting the competitiveness of businesses operating in the agrifood sector."
Francie Gorman, President, IFA, said: “The continued strength of any organisation depends on its ability to introduce new voices into decision-making. The sheer number of applications and the exceptional quality of candidates made the selection process incredibly challenging. However, this is a positive sign for the future of farming leadership and IFA. We are confident those chosen will make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond."
The six-day programme, spread across three two-day modules throughout 2025, will provide participants with a comprehensive experience, including sessions with leaders in the sector, meetings with political representatives in Dublin and a guided tour of Brussels and its EU institutions.
The structure is designed to offer valuable insights into both national and European policy-making processes. The 30 participants will gather later this month at the Farm Centre in Dublin, where they will engage in their first leadership development sessions and networking opportunities.
John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer, FBD Insurance, added: “This programme is aimed at dynamic emerging leaders - an investment not only in their future, but in the future of Ireland’s farming sector. At FBD Insurance, we are proud to support this important initiative and wish the participants every success as they begin the programme.”
Further information about the Ready to Lead programme and the other supports offered through Farm Business Skillnet is available online, here.
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