INTEREST in degree-level courses in the fields of agriculture and food has risen by an average of 22 points this year’s round of CAO offers to leaving cert students.
Of the 19 honours degree courses available in the fields of agriculture, food, horticulture, forestry and equine studies, a marked increase in points has been recorded.
This suggests that the future of the agri-food sector may be brighter than previously thought as the reason for the points hike is increased interest from students in courses across the country. Courses which are promoting education in the food business sector have shown the most significant rise.
University College Dublin’s food and agribusiness management course has shot up by 40 pts (+11%), while the food innovation course at Dublin Institute of Technology increased by over 20 points (+7%). Similarly, the new dairy business course in UCD claimed an additional 40 points this year for first round offers, at 370 points (+12%).
Commenting on the increasing interest in such courses, Agri Aware vice-chairman Bernard Donohue said: “Anybody taking on an agri-food-related course in our colleges or institutes is set to become a very valuable commodity in the future.
Ireland and the world are about to experience one of the biggest change periods that agriculture has ever seen. There will be mass global population growth and we will need experts in agriculture and food to help us cope with the growing demand for food.”
The agri-food industry has been identified as key to economic recovery and one of strategic importance when it comes to food security.
The 268,000 jobs which are generated directly and indirectly by the agri-sector makes it the second largest employer in the country.