Ireland's Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae, launched the Horticulture Education Review Report at Bloom. This report delivers on a key strategic action in the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, which committed to a review of horticulture course availability and suitability for a modern, dynamic industry.
Welcoming the report, Minister Healy-Rae said: "I would like to thank the authors of the report, Dr Owen Doyle and Mr 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.
(L-R) Mr. Brian Arnold, co-author of the report, Louise Byrne, Deputy Chief Inspector Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Deirdre Fay, Senior Inspector Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Dr Owen Doyle, co-author of the report, pictured at launch of the Horticulture Education Review Report, at Bord Bia Bloom Festival, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
"I want to acknowledge and thank the horticulture industry, retailers and education providers for their engagement on this review which is hugely important. The launch of this report demonstrates that real and incremental progress is being achieved in the implementation of our National Strategy for Horticulture."
Minister Healy-Rae concluded: "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. 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. The future is bright for this important sector, and I am confident that we will attract the brightest and the best minds to advance its growth and sustainability ambitions."
Source: Government of Ireland