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Farmers most in need of lifelong education and training will be hardest to get on board future training courses, the Minister for Agriculture has said.
Minister Michael Creed, speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, added that there is an appetite among younger farmers for continuing education and upskilling.
“It is undoubtedly the case that perhaps those who need it most inside the farm gate are going to be the cohort that are hardest to reach.
“I think the simple message is: those who achieve most, those who make the best income and living, are most engaged in terms of education and services,” he said.
The comments were made at the launch of the Macra Agricultural Skillnet research report into Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation for farmers on Wednesday.
Two-thirds of respondents to a survey believe there is a need for a system in farming that recognises participation in continuing education, training and upskilling.
A further 24% feel there could be a need for CPD.
Almost 270 people were surveyed as part of the research project.
However, the majority of these were under 35, as the survey was primarily circulated through Macra na Feirme channels.
Incentives
Over 22% of respondents were concerned about the introduction of CPD in farming.
The main issues raised related to bureaucracy, potential future links to payments, quality standards and cost versus benefit.
There were differing opinions among participants as to whether or not incentives, financial or otherwise, were needed for CPD.
Some suggested linking CPD to EU payments, while others disagreed.
Minster Creed said a similar debate takes place regularly in relation to farm safety.
“Some people suggest that we should have payments linked to safety. I have to say I am more of a carrot than a stick, but we cannot decommission the stick either,” he added.
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