AGRI-FOOD SECTOR: Fertile opportunities in a healthy sector

The Irish agrifood sector contributes €24bn to the national economy, generates almost 10% of exports and provides 7.7% of national employment.

When inputs, processing and marketing is included, the sector accounts for almost 10% of employment.

“The future growth and expansion of the Irish agrifood industry requires additional human resources,” says Billy Goodburn, ICOS Skillnets manager. “The dairy sector in particular has considerable potential given the industry expansion agenda that exists around the removal of milk quotas next year.”