Points rise for agri-food courses reflects confidence in sector

THE increase in points for all degree courses in the agri-food area confirms the growing confidence in the future of food production, according to Agricultural Science Association president Frank O’Mara.

He said this is the third consecutive year in which the points for agriculture-related courses have increased.

For example, the points for agricultural science in University College Dublin at 420 this year is over 40% higher than in 2007. The points for agricultural science in Waterford Institute of Technology have also increased substantially this year, from 255 to 300.

In addition, demand for Teagasc courses in agricultural and horticultural colleges is at its highest level in more than two decades. Enrolments have almost doubled in the past five years.

Mr Mara said the confidence of young people in the future of agriculture and food is matched by the optimistic targets for growth in the sector outlined in the recently published 2020 Harvest Report.

Agri Aware also said yesterday the future of the agri-food sector looks bright as increased interest from students pushes up the CAO points for courses across the country.

Of the 19 honours degree courses available in the fields of agriculture, food, horticulture, forestry and equine, a marked increase in points has been recorded. Courses averaged 22 points higher in the first round of CAO offers, compared with final points in 2009.

It said this increase continues to demonstrate that students see the agri-food industry as a more diverse sector than ever before, offering secure and reliable career opportunities. Most notably, courses which are promoting education in the food business sector have shown a significant rise.

UCD’s Food and Agri Business Management course has shot up by 40 points (+11%), whilst Food Innovation in Dublin Institute of Technology increased by over 20 points (+7%).

Dairy Business in UCD claimed 40 extra points this year for first round offers at 370 points (+12%).

Agri Aware vice-chairman Bernard Donohue congratulated all the students on their offers. “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,” he said. Irish Agricultural Science Teachers Association (IASTA) chairman Damien Phelan said there is no greater reward for a teacher than to see a student develop a real interest in a subject and follow it through to further education.