More than 2,500 agricultural science students to get farm talks

MORE than 2,500 agricultural science students from almost 100 schools are attending a series of talks in Teagasc and private colleges across the country this week.

Agri Aware Farm Walk ‘n’ Talks are organised in association with the Irish Agricultural Science Teachers’ Association, Teagasc and University College Dublin.

The events are aimed at giving Leaving Certificate students an understanding of the practical element of agricultural science, which is challenging to communicate in class.

During each tour on the farm, students will observe cows being milked, understand how to determine the quality of silage, study different grazing methods on the farm and examine profiles of Irish soil.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe, who launched the series at Clonakilty Agricultural College in West Cork, said last year 5,270 Leaving Certificate students took agricultural science, with 4,162 taking the subject at higher level.

The numbers applying for agricultural courses show optimism among young people about the future of Irish agriculture and the agri-food sector.

First-preference applications for agriculture and veterinary courses increased by 39% last year – up from just over 1,000 in 2008 to 1,393 in 2009.

Central Applications Office acceptances for agriculture and veterinary increased by 16% last year – up from 820 in 2008 to 952 in 2009.

Last year, more than 1,500 students enrolled in Teagasc-run courses in colleges and in regional education centres.

The number of students enrolled on its courses is now 3,222.

Mr O’Keeffe said the agri-food sector is vibrant and central to the country’s economic recovery.

The manufacture of food and drink products is Ireland’s main indigenous industry, with 800 firms directly employing more than 45,000 people.

Some 230,000 jobs depend on the sector and the industry generated more than €7 billion in exports last year.