A new report launched at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry, Co. Galway has laid out a strong ambition for developing the skills needed in the agriculture and food sector in the west of Ireland.

"Appetite for Growth. Insights into the Skills Needs of Food and Drink Manufacturers in the West" outlines the challenges and future concerns for the sector, as well as skills deficits and potential solutions.

A collaborative response across teams and faculties in the educational sector, firmly aligned with employers' needs is required to develop the food industry in the west, the report shows.

Food industry skills sit across a range of disciplines such as science; business; marketing; manufacturing; engineering; catering; and hospitality.

The report was recently launched by Minister of State with responsibility for disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and at the Department of Health, Anne Rabbitte.

She said the industry and the educational sector can partner to identify a skills shortage and address what entrepreneurs need to progress in their businesses.

"Creating a culture of lifelong learning and upskilling in digital transformation, transversal and green skills is critical to meet the future skills needs of our economy and our society," Regional Skills Forum manager for the west, Denise Rocks said.

The report found that a bold shared vision and an action plan for skills development at all levels within the sector should be developed by industry and knowledge institutions.

An industry platform allowing easy access to engaging training courses, and to digitally connect stakeholders across the food supply chain was also recommended.

Further key findings and recommendations highlighted in the report include:

The report will be used to inform the sector including enterprises, local education and training providers, and influence curriculum development to better reflect the needs of the local industry.

Commenting on the report, the director of BIA Innovator Campus and the chair of the education and learning sub-committee, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha said:

The BIA Innovator Campus is a new concept agri-food support structure that will open its facilities in 2023 and operate as a national centre of excellence to provide an integrated, up-to-date approach to skills requirements within the sector in the west.

In terms of future research requirements, the food and drink industry would also benefit from industry and government commitment to invest in supporting a sector-specific strategy for technical skills and recruitment.

Research for this report was supported by the National Training Fund from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.