4 days ago
Healy-Rae launches report on horticulture education
Minister of State with responsibility for horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae, has launched a report into the available of courses for studying horticulture.
The Horticulture Education Review Report was launched at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival by the minister today (Friday, May 30).
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said that the report delivers on a strategic action in the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, which includes a commitment to review horticulture course availability and suitability for a modern dynamic industry.
The report includes a number of recommendations, including the establishment of a new committee called the Horticulture Education Leadership Group (HLEG).
This committee would be tasked with assisting with reviews of horticultural educational content at all levels.
That committee would also be tasked with preparing material that can be used by education providers and industry stakeholders to promote and market horticulture as an attractive and rewarding career.
The HLEG committee should also work on an all-Ireland basis to share information on horticulture promotion.
Commenting on the new report, Minister Healy-Rae said: 'I would like to thank the authors of the report, Dr. Owen Doyle and Brian Arnold for their work in completing this important review.
'The recommendations in the report set out clear actions for the horticulture sector to take forward to enhance its attractiveness as a future career choice.
'Launching the report at Bloom 2025 is particularly relevant as we celebrate and showcase all that is great about our horticulture sector, from gardens, plants and food produce; including its skilled professionals – landscape gardeners, florists, commercial growers, farmers, academics, advisors and scientists – the key foundation on which the horticulture industry is built,' the minister added.
He thanked the horticulture industry, retailers and education providers for their engagement on the report.
'The recommendation to establish a new Higher Education Leadership Group that will input into the curriculum content and coordinate advocacy campaigns will be key to inspiring the next generation of horticulturists into this important and dynamic sector,' Minister Healy-Rae said.
He added: 'I particularly welcome the focus on a 'global horizon' ensuring that our future graduates at all levels will have the required knowledge and skills to further advance sustainable practices and drive continued innovation in the sector.'
