Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
17. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted any research into the reasons the number of Teagasc graduates attaining trained farmer status has been declining in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55429/23]
View answerMy Department has not carried out research regarding participation levels on Teagasc education courses that lead to trained farmer status.
The current minimum qualification for ‘trained farmer status’ is a recognised Quality and Qualifications Ireland, Level 6 agricultural qualification or equivalent. Teagasc learners who complete the “Green Cert” can qualify for trained farmer status.
Teagasc reported an unprecedented demand for places on their Green Cert Programme since 2015 as more young farmers sought to attain trained farmer status to qualify for additional scheme payments and Revenue tax reliefs. In that period over 10,000 learners graduated from the Green Cert programme.
Participation levels peaked in the period from 2015-2018 arising from additional payments for trained farmers under the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve, which required applicants to have a Green Cert or equivalent. In recent years, enrolments have stabilised to more normal participation patterns with sufficient courses available to meet annual demand. Over 1,700 Green Certs were awarded in 2022, a 15% increase on the number of qualifications awarded in 2021.
My Department has worked closely with Teagasc to maximise participation on the Green Cert Programme. Teagasc was authorised to recruit 120 temporary teachers in tranches to substantially boost annual intake capacity. As recently as April this year, I secured approval from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for an additional 20 temporary teachers to boost intake from September.
It is important to note that there are non-Teagasc options to attain trained farmer status with other education providers. Over the last ten years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Higher Education providers offering degree programmes in agriculture. Most of these courses meet trained farmer requirements. In recent years, some Education and Training Boards and private providers commenced programmes equivalent to the Teagasc Green Cert. Teagasc works closely with many of the Higher Education and private providers.
It must also be remembered that in addition to the Green Cert, Teagasc is substantially involved in both further education and higher education provision, and in the provision of specialised and customised training to the agri-service sector. In the region of 5,000 learners are participating in various Teagasc full-time, part-time and distance programmes in 2023.
I am a strong supporter of the value of Agriculture education and supporting generational renewal. Our agriculture sector continues to have a need for bright young people who are educated to the highest standard. I welcome the increased positivity from so many young people towards the Agri food and farming sectors, as evidenced in the numbers attending Teagasc courses.
