So, here comes a fundamental fact: Ireland’s tillage sector is primed for significant growth over the coming years.
This assertion reflects the key role that the crops will play in delivering a low carbon future for the country.
Moreover, Ireland remains fundamentally insufficient in all combinable crops – grains and proteins.
So, irrespective of climate change, the obvious need to improve self-sufficiency levels – where these fundamentally important crop options are concerned – is obvious.
The world is fast changing; producing food today is all about adding value, and nowhere can this trend be better visualised, than within the tillage industry.
A case in point is barley production. Why opt to produce feed quality grains when there is such a premium now available for malting options?
Tillage sector
In truth, the term ‘protein crops’ is synonymous with the principle of adding value. Ongoing Teagasc research is confirming this reality with every day that passes.
So much for the background – the reality is that Ireland’s tillage sector will need a new generation of young people, educated and buoyed with ideas to take if forward, and this is a reality in the here and now.
Specialist advice and expertise will be required to take farmers, feed compounders, other grain processers and the retail sector through the myriad adaptations that will be required in delivering a market driven future for Ireland’s crops sector.
Making this happen will require people with the right scientific, agronomic, engineering, product development and marketing skills.
It all adds up to a world of opportunity for young people planning for a future that is rewarding at every level.
Meanwhile, investment in the tillage and allied sectors continues apace. E.g., construction work is already underway at Diageo’s new brewery in Co. Kildare. This is a €200 million investment project.
The impact this new facility will have across the entire tillage sector over the coming years should be immense. No doubt, this is only the tip of the iceberg where future, tillage-related investment is concerned.
We already know that the Irish government is committed to the expansion of the tillage sector with the cropping area set to reach one million acres by 2030.
But targets of this nature will not be met unless people with the required expertise across so many professional fields of endeavour are available to make it happen.
The coming weeks will see Leaving Certificate students select their 2025 third-level education choices. It’s a time for fundamental career choice options to be made.
The decisions to drive positive and fundamental change through Ireland’s tillage sector have already been made.
Making this happen will prove to be an exciting opportunity for those young people wanting to get involved.