Skillnet Business Networks Highlight ‘Future Skills Needs’ of Agriculture Sector at 2024 National Ploughing Championships

Representatives from Skillnet Business Networks shared their knowledge and insights of the future skills needs of the Irish agriculture sector at the 2024 National Ploughing Championships. 

Almost 250,000 people attended the three-day agriculture festival, which was held in Ratheniska, Co Laois. On Wednesday, September 18th, Skillnet Ireland held a special panel discussion at the National Ploughing Championships, which was hosted in the Organic Village.  

The panel, entitled ‘Future Skills Needs of the Irish Agricultural Sector’, was moderated by Eoin Morton, Skillnet Head of Policy & Public Affairs, and heard from Celine Reynolds, Farm Business Skillnet Network Manager; Gillian Richardson, Marca Agricultural Skillnet Network Manager; Sean McGloin, National Organic Training Skillnet Network Manager; as well as Dr Rhona Howley, Talent Development Manager at Tirlán and ICOS Skillnet Steering Group member.  

Macra Agricultural Skillnet supports young farmers to navigate the many and varied business challenges that come with new ways of working, embracing sustainability, competing within international markets and incorporating new technologies into their day-to-day operations. 

Gillian Richardson, Network Manager, said they recently conducted a brainstorming session with the Network’s Steering Group, to assess the current and future skills needs of farmers they support. Ms Richardson said the three main key upskilling areas identified were environmental, financial and leadership.  

Ms Richardson said young farmers are acutely aware of the need to embrace sustainable farming practices and they “want to be as environmentally friendly as possible”.     

“Financial is another aspect that came up strongly, they want to make sure that they have money in their back pocket. They want to make sure they have a viable business,” she said. 

“The last one was leadership, to give themselves confidence and leadership skills so that they can grow and go on to bigger and better things.”  

Celine Reynolds, Farm Business Skillnet Network Manager, echoed the growing demand for sustainability and financial upskilling supports. Farm Business Skillnet provides supports to farm businesses and smallholders across the Irish agriculture sector. 

Ms Reynolds said the Network ran four regional sustainability events recently, which were very well attended, and the flexibility of the Skillnet Ireland model means “no farmer is being left behind. The training is accessible to everyone who needs it”. 

“Like every sector, farmers really recognise the need to upskill and train, especially around things like emerging technologies, new farm practices and financial planning,” Ms Reynolds said. 

National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) Network Manager, Sean McGloin, discussed the appetite for upskilling among farmers and agri-businesses involved in organic farming. The Network is dedicated to enhancing Ireland’s diverse organic food industry by supporting the growth and sustainability of organic farms. Mr McGloin said there has been “more interest” in organic processes as knowledge around climate change has increased and NOTS has become the “go-to organisation for ideas and training” in Irish organic agriculture.  

Mr McGloin said regenerative agriculture, which encompasses a range of techniques to improve and regenerate the health of the soil, is a key focus area for NOTS.  

“We've gotten into this regenerative agriculture, or biological agriculture model. A lot of our training programmes are destined for that. What that does is it's almost like a soft landing for people who are maybe a bit distrustful of organic farming methods but can come through that regenerative model and they can actually transition much easier. And we are getting really good success on that,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Dr Rhona Howley spoke about the benefits which Irish co-operative Tirlán has experienced since first engaging with ICOS Skillnet. Tirlán engaged with ICOS Skillnet to address skills gaps and prepare it "to be the co-op of the future,” Dr Howley said. 

The collaboration led to the creation of the Tirlán Representative Structure Academy, which encompasses different tiers to facilitate a gradual entry/re-entry to study and support individual learners on their career journey. 

“It supports farmers, particularly our younger and female farmers. It really builds their skills and capabilities to become the leaders of the future for Tirlán,” Dr Howley added. 

As the national talent development agency, Skillnet Ireland’s mandate is to advance the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses.