Rural areas commission could be boon for farms, says Teagasc chief

Farm households will be among the main groups to gain jobs under the new commission for the economic development of rural areas, according to one Teagasc executive.

Cathal O’Donoghue, head of the Teagasc rural economy and development programme, has welcomed the creation of the commission, the main aim of which is to generate a jobs strategy for rural Ireland.

Prof O’Donoghue said: “Farm households have been particularly affected by the downturn with the off-farm employment rate of farmers falling back to late 1990s levels. Farm households would thus be one of the main beneficiaries of more jobs in rural areas. On the other hand the Food Harvest 2020 strategy for the agri-food sector has a target to generate 25,000 jobs and thus the sector can make a substantial impact on rural job creation.”

The new commission was launched recently by the Phil Hogan, the minister for environment, communities, and local government. It will carry out an extensive public consultation on the future economic potential of rural Ireland and how best to channel funding and resources between 2013 and 2025.

Unemployment has increased disproportionately in rural areas, particularly in small towns, since the economic crisis began.

Teagasc, as Ireland’s leading food research organisation, will take responsibility for the research and consultation process, working with the Department of Environment and the Western Development Commission (WDC).

Commenting on the partnership between Teagasc, WDC, and the department, Teagasc head of research Dr Frank O’Mara said: “It is important for state agencies to combine expertise and work together to find solution to the national jobs crisis.”

The commission for the economic development of rural areas will involve three principal stages. Firstly, it will conduct a nationwide consultation of rural stakeholders including employers, unions, farm bodies, community organisations, and the public sector.

Secondly, Teagasc will conduct research and analysis of economic factors affecting rural areas. And thirdly, Teagasc will prepare a strategy supporting the medium-term economic development of the rural areas for the period to 2025.