Labour plan for horticultural sector
The scheme, operated by Bord Bia and Macra na Feirme, ensures that seasonal labour demands are matched with suitably skilled workers.
Students receive a high standard of work experience in nursery stock, field vegetables, fruit, potatoes, protected crops, landscaping and golf courses. President Thomas Honner said Macra stringently administers the scheme and insists that workers receive pay and work conditions in accordance with all relevant employment legislation in Ireland.
Bord Bia development marketing executive Declan Fennell said labour shortages in horticulture are regarded as the largest constraint on development.
About four in every 10 horticultural workers are from the new EU member states and playing a pivotal role in output.
