Teagasc is now inviting submissions to its recently launched Education Strategic Vision project for the land based sector.
It says its research has demonstrated the high economic returns of education, both at farm level, and at a national level.
The national vision for the agri-food sector – Food Wise 2025 – places major emphasis on education and up-skilling across the land based and agri- food sectors.
The recent Teagasc Technology Foresight 2035 report highlights both the opportunities from emerging animal, plant and digital technologies for the land based sector and the challenges arising in regard to technology adoption and sustainability in the years ahead.
These will impact on the education and training needs of future entrants to the land based sector.
In launching the consultation exercise, Professor Gerry Boyle, stressed that identifying and addressing the future education needs of the land based sector is a priority issue for Teagasc.
The Teagasc Education Strategic Vision project will help shape the future direction of education over the next decade.
“Teagasc has a crucial role in educating those entering the land based sector,” according to Prof Boyle, “and now is the right time to fundamentally reflect on the future education needs of those entering the land based sector”.
The project will be overseen by a steering group that comprises members from the agricultural and education sectors as well as international representatives.
Professor Tom Kelly, Head of Knowledge Transfer, indicated that the primary focus of the Teagasc Vision project “will be to determine how best to develop and equip entrants to full, or part time farming, or other areas of the land based sector in terms of their personal, technical and business skillsets.”
Tony Pettit, Head of Education, invited all parties interested in the future education needs of the land based sector to avail of the online consultation process at www.teagasc.ie/educationvision .
“A key part of the process will be to consult with, and get feedback from, stakeholders to inform the Education Vision project.” according to Tony Pettit.
Teagasc has prepared a simplified online submission format for different areas of the land based sector on the www.teagasc.ie/educationvision webpage.
Stakeholders wishing to make a more detailed submission will also be facilitated. Arrangements for more detailed submissions are also provided at www.teagasc.ie/educationvision .
The closing date for submissions to the project is Friday, June 10, 2016.