Bord Bia is currently seeking to recruit a new senior horticulture manager, with the deadline for applications fast approaching.
The role will involve the day-to-day leadership and management of the Irish Food Board’s horticulture team.
The manager, who will report to the director of meat, food and beverages, will also be responsible for the developing strategic growth plans for the sector.
The salary scale for the role ranges from €86,524 to €102,898.
Bord Bia
The successful candidate will be tasked with building and fostering relationships with stakeholders in the horticulture sector.
They will oversee the preparation and delivery of regular updates, reports and presentations on the markets, sector activities and key projects for Bord Bia’s horticulture subsidiary board and the senior leadership team.
The manager will lead the development and delivery of supports and services required for the sector, including marketing campaigns.
Bord Bia said that applicants should have a degree level qualification in horticulture, plant science, or in a similar or equivalent subject.
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years’ experience “in a related field of business” including demonstrable experience working with or in the horticulture sector.
Bord Bia added that applicants should have a “strong knowledge and awareness of the broader horticulture industry in Ireland with a track record of engagement and delivery”.
The closing date for applications to be submitted is 5:00p.m on Friday, August 23.
Horticulture
Teagasc values the horticulture sector at €521 million (farmgate value), making it the fourth largest sector in the country after dairy, beef and pigs in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value.
Total horticulture and cereals exports were valued at €295 million in 2023, representing a 6% year-on-year decline. Mushrooms account for almost 50% of total export value.
A report published by Teagasc early this year confirmed that combined input costs increased by 40% across Ireland’s horticultural sectors since 2021.
The report confirmed that labour accounted for 46.3% of costs of production on Irish mushroom farms, and has increased by 24.3% over the past three years.
Input price inflation in the field vegetable sector stood at an annual rate of 5.1%, totalling over 43% inflation since the first report of March 2021.