The Department of Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition in University College Dublin (UCD) is holding a careers day today (Wednesday, February 14) on its Belfield campus.

The UCD Agriculture, Food Science and Human Nutrition Careers Day featured a record number of exhibitors in attendance, according to organisers.

This annual event – organised by final year UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science students – is taking place at the Astra Hall following a keynote address delivered by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Michael Creed, in the FitzGerald Debating Chamber.

Minister Creed acknowledged the contribution of UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science graduates to Ireland’s agri-food sector.

‘”Your research-led educational experience at UCD provides a breadth and depth to your studies that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, experience and attitude to thrive in the workplace of today and succeed in the workplace of the future,” he said.

Pictured with Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Michael Creed, are final year UCD students Thomas Smith and Aoife Leader. Image source: Jason Clarke

Meanwhile, UCD dean of Agriculture, Prof. Alexander Evans, congratulated final year students and employers for organising such a “professional and impressive day”.

“This fantastic event is testament to the enthusiasm and commitment that both students and employers have to the agriculture and food industries both at home and further afield,” he said.

There is a broad list of exhibitors attending the careers day, with AgriLand strongly represented.

L-R: Anne Casey; Claire McCormack; Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed; and Siobhan Walsh

Irish processors have put in a large representation, with companies in attendance including: ABP Food Group; Arrabawn; Aurivo; Dawn Farm Foods; Dawn Meats; Irish Country Meats; Keelings; Kepak Group; Kerry Foods; LacPatrick; Lakeland Dairies; Meade Potato Group; and Rosderra Irish Meats.

L-R: Cathy McGettigan and Sean Cummins

Farm input companies present on the day include: Agri Lloyd; Alltech Keenan; Connolly’s Red Mills; Corby Rock Mill; Equilume; Dovea Genetics; Farmco Agritrading; Goulding Fertilisers; Grassland Agro; Lely; Liffey Mills; Megazyme; Plusvital; SAP Group; and Southern Milling.

Meanwhile, agricultural service providers recruiting today include: ASA; FDC Group; FRS Recruitment; Grant Thornton; HerdPlus/ICBF; IFAC Accountants; Teagasc; and Veon.

Pictured was Sinead Stamp from Wexford. Image source: Jason Clarke

Other companies in attendance include organisations such as the IFA, Macra na Feirme and Horse Racing Ireland – while UCD Career Development Centre, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science are also maintaining a strong presence.

A series of presentations took place earlier this morning from 10:30am through until 12:30pm. These were given by: Plusvital; Megazyme; Irish Country Meats; Kepak; Grant Thornton; Keelings; Kerry Group; and Dawn Farm Foods.

Image source: Jason Clarke

William Coffey – chair of the UCD Agricultural Science Careers Committee – thanked each of the 44 exhibitors in attendance for their support.

The number of exhibitors present here today is a further sign that Ireland’s agri-food sector is in an excellent position.

“To my fellow final year students, the past four years have been a great experience to share with you all. I wish you every success and happiness in the future and I hope today is rewarding and valuable to each and every one of you,” he concluded.