A new degree course in agriculture is to be offered in Wexford. The BAg Sc (Hons) degree will commence in September 2015 at the Wexford campus of Carlow IT.

It is expected that by the time the first graduates emerge from the course in 2019 that the Wexford campus will have full university status, as part of The University of the South-East (TUSE), incorporating Waterford and Carlow ITs.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Caroline Murphy, the head of Wexford campus, said that the course is envisaged to meet local demand. It will incorporate all the typical elements of an ag science degree course, such as the physical sciences, soil science, nutrition, genetics, and breeding.

“The intention is to equip graduates with analytical and critical skills to properly assess and address the problems facing farmers” she explained.

“Farmers need to be creative and innovative, particularly with the level of expansion that is envisaged.

“New skills such as sustainability management are demanded of farmers and of their advisers.

“We hope to supply graduates with these skill sets,” Murphy said.

She explained that the decision to award the course on Friday is the result of work going back to 2011. The instigators of the innovation were Monageer farmer John Doyle and former school principal Tommy Kelly, who were also involved in the delivery of a certificate in farming (Green Cert) course in Coláiste an Atha in Kilmuckridge.

Both men pronounced their satisfaction with the outcome.

John Doyle hailed the Wexford initiatives as a template for how agricultural education can be delivered nationwide.

“Farming is a very demanding business, needing a broad and deep range of technical and management skills,” he said.

Year three of the course will see a six-month work placement, while a dissertation will be the core of the fourth year. The course will be available on either a full- or part-time basis.

HETAC, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, approved the course last Friday.

Pat Murray, Wexford IFA chair, welcomed the course approval. The IFA was involved in the delivery of the course, and sourced funding for the course developmental and curriculum from the FBD Trust.

“It’s great news,” he said. “Wexford has one of the lowest rates of degree-level graduates in the country, and this course reflects the importance of the agri-food sector to the local and regional economy.”