Nuffield scholar Finola McCoy urges agri sector workers to join networks
These networks allow participants to exchange information across disciplines, while also exploring models for enhancing knowledge exchange, she told a gathering of 50 south-east region agri-professionals in Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.
The event was organised by the association.
“As part of the management of their business, farmers currently engage with many varied service providers — such as vets, nutritionists, Teagasc advisors, bank managers, farm organisations, farm consultants, sales representatives — yet these agricultural service providers rarely engage with, or even know each other,” said Ms McCoy.
Industry fragmentation means agri-professionals often work in isolation, she said, adding that as farming systems evolve, so too will the demand for an even broader range of skills.
“Service providers will need to either upskill in new areas, or have connections and work with experts from other fields to provide a comprehensive service to their farmers,” she said.
