Over half believe career in

agriculture is a “good option”

In a new survey conducted by Ipsos MRBI and Agri Aware over the last few weeks, over half the general public believe that a career in agriculture is a good option for young people. The survey was conducted over the previous number of weeks and involved 1,000 people. Executive director of the educational body Deirdre O’Shea was encouraged by the figures cited in the study.

“These are promising statistics given the rise in jobs in the sector due to expansion, particularly in the dairy sector. Teagasc predicts that Irish dairy farmers will need to employ 3,000 additional people over the next decade. Promoting careers in agriculture is something Agri Aware plays an important role in through our various initiatives.

“The growing popularity of agricultural science as a viable career has been highlighted by the CAO this past year, with a 17% increase in the number of students applying for third-level honours degree courses in agriculture/horticulture. Each year we see great interest from students across Ireland for our Farm Walk and Talk events, students from both urban and rural schools. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain an insight into the hands-on experience of a working farm, while also getting the opportunity to engage with key industry stakeholders.”

The survey highlighted agriculture in a positive light, with over 95% of the general public also believing that Irish farmers play and important role in the Irish economy.

Fear for 300 jobs in fisheries

New European Commission proposals to cuts for certain key fish stocks may lead to the loss of up to 300 jobs across the sector.

This is according to the Killybegs Fisherman’s Organisation (KFO), which has called on Minster of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed to work on reversing the proposals.

The plan by the Commission is to cut certain white fish stocks by up to 50% and a 12% cut in pelagic stocks. The organisation estimates that these actions by the Commission will also have a major monetary value loss for the Irish marine sector.

“These cuts, if adopted by the Council, could result in up to 300 full-time and part-time jobs losses in the fisheries sector and ancillary services. The potential direct losses are approximately €33m, including the 20% reduction in Ireland’s mackerel quota already agreed at the Coastal States negotiations,” says the KFO.

Fifty-three jobs in Galway

Last week it was announced that Galway was to receive a jobs boost, as 53 new jobs were to be created by Antares Vision.

The Italian company, which has become a global provider of serialisation and high-performance inspection systems and machines for the pharmaceutical industry, announced the news last week. It is to establish a Software Development Centre in Galway, with the jobs created in computer vision and artificial intelligence. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Founded in 2007, the company is privately owned and headquartered in Travagliato near Brescia, Italy.

Antares Vision will establish initially at the Galway Technology Centre at Mervue Business Park. The new operation will have a mix of roles, including junior and senior software developers and researchers. For more information on the roles, or to apply, email nicola.mariella@antaresvision.com.