Agri careers ‘good for students’

LEAVING Certificate students were urged yesterday to consider one of the many courses on offer in third-level education which would provide them with the prospects of an exciting and lifelong career in the farming and agri-food industry.

Agri Aware chair-woman Mairead Lavery made the call yesterday saying: “In a constantly evolving industry, such as the farming and agri-food sector, students equipped with science and business qualifications will play a central role in its future.”

She said the modern farming and agri-food industry is hugely reliant on technological innovations. It has also become extremely competitive on an international scale.

“The farming and agri-food industry needs young entrants to push it forward in the 21st century,” said Ms Lavery.

Irish Agricultural Science Teachers Association (IASTA) chairman John Crone said there had been a 9% increase in the number of agricultural science students participating in this year’s Leaving Certificate.

“Year on year the numbers participating in agricultural science has continued to increase and the grades continue to hold their own with the other science subjects,” he said,

He welcomed the Government commitment to bring the agricultural science syllabus in line with the other second-level curriculums.