Macra Agricultural Skillnet

Network Overview

Macra Agricultural Skillnet is a business network that supports the vital work of farmers and businesses operating in the agriculture and food sector. The network’s mission is to enhance farm productivity, efficiency, safety and sustainability through the provision of subsidised upskilling programmes aimed at young farmers and others employed in the wider agricultural sector.

Collaborating with industry, the network designs, develops and delivers responsive, bespoke and flexible training courses to address the ongoing needs of businesses. Macra Agricultural Skillnet is promoted by Macra na Feirme. The Network is open to young farmers and private agri-businesses.

Supports to businesses

• Assist businesses to identify and address current and future skills needs 
• Information regarding successful approaches to learning and talent development 
• Guidance on achieving value for money when investing in learning and development 
• Strategic programmes that enhance business innovation and sectoral competitiveness 
• Flexible training and education programmes customised to the needs of the sector 
• Innovative programme design and development 
• Leadership programmes for business owners and executives 
• 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 

“Participating in the Macra Agricultural Skillnet programme sharpens the mind on both simple and more complicated redesigns around the yard. 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 farmyard 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

“The help and support from Macra Agricultural Skillnet have 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