I am from a farming community called Bartlemy in east Cork. Both my parents come from farms although farming was not an option for them. My main inspiration came from my grandparents on whose farm we live and used to help out on.

Education was always a priority and when I found food and agribusiness management in UCD, I knew it was the course for me. It combined a strong practical education in a wide range of agricultural sectors with a focus on business, economics and strategy. I lacked hands-on experience but farmers and contractors have taken a chance on me, they have taken time to give me guidance for which I am grateful. I currently work with an agricultural contractor when not in college and it is something I love doing.

Dathal Kent was a researcher for the UCD debating team that won the great Agri Food Debate 2020.

Challenge for agriculture

Agriculture seems to be to the fore of people’s minds who are not necessarily from an agricultural background. I think that this is a great thing. It means people are going out and looking for information, wanting to learn the processes and requirements of the agricultural industry.

The future of the industry rests on the shoulders of young people and they are best placed to inform the public of what producing a product in Ireland really means. More must be done to be transparent, to show those who are looking for answers what it means to be a consumer of Irish agriculture.

Vision for your career in agriculture?

I believe a lot more emphasis is going to be placed on adding value to Irish agricultural products and I hope to be part of that process. There are many emerging agricultural industries that we have not seen before and I believe many of those graduating in the next few years will go into a very changed sector than previous generations.

Debating

The most important aspect for me was being part of a team where you were trusted with a roll. I learned a lot about how to voice my opinion and how to back that opinion up with facts.

What did you learn in term of Debates, waste, veganism and CAP?

I was surprised at how Ireland is improving all the time but shocked that although people’s attitudes are changing, in many cases they do not have the facilities. I was surprised at how over reliant Ireland is on exporting our waste problems.

Farmers need practical education on what the impact of bad practice is

There is zero communication between vegans and the farming industry. Better communication enabled by rational, mature conversations is the way forward. Nothing is achieved when both sides come out attacking each other, when the fact remains that they can both benefit each other.

What shocked me was the view of a large proportion of the population that the CAP was only a glorified state aid programme. It may have its flaws but CAP is for the benefit of every citizen of the EU. I believe more needs to be done to show consumers what they are giving money for.

Policy

Farmers need practical education on what the impact of bad practice is and how it not only harms themselves and their farm but everyone in the community. Through grants and subsidies that have a positive approach, I believe farmers will not be forced into these changes but will instead want to make changes.

Opportunities

We are very efficient producers and I believe as products come under more and more scrutiny this will stand to us. To take advantage of this changing market, our products must be promoted so people understand what they are buying and how it differs from competitors who may be able to undercut our industry.