Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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148. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to develop and implement comprehensive apprenticeship and mentorship programmes, given the recognised need for structured knowledge transfer in the agricultural sector and the current limited availability of formal apprenticeship schemes tailored to farming; the way in which he plans to support intergenerational co-operation by pairing experienced farmers with young entrants to ensure practical skills development and effective farm succession planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25701/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The development of what might be described as ‘new’ apprenticeship programmes and awards is governed by the requirements set out by the Apprenticeship Council in conjunction with SOLAS, the Higher Education Authority and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). A key requirement for new national apprenticeships is that they are industry led.

Teagasc operate under the remit of my Department with responsibility for providing education and training services to the agricultural sector. Consistent with its mandate, Teagasc is actively engaged in both the development and delivery of structured education, training, and mentorship initiatives tailored to the needs of the farming community.

In 2023, Teagasc launched four new land-based apprenticeships in Sportsturf, Horticulture, Farm Technician and Farm Management. These programmes now provide annual enrolment opportunities for apprentices and employers. Over 120 apprentices are currently registered, and new apprentice intakes in Quarter 3 of 2025 will further strengthen these numbers. Opportunities are available for apprentices to be employed in commercial farm enterprises such as arable, dairy, suckler etc.

Teagasc also provide Level 5 and Level 6 agricultural education programmes, which combine classroom learning with on-farm placements. These practical placements are highly valued by both learners and host farmers alike.

In addition to its education programmes, Teagasc are also actively engaged in knowledge transfer and advisory activities related to intergenerational co-operation and appropriate planning to optimise succession opportunities. Teagasc’s advisory teams regularly conduct succession planning workshops and provide one-to-one support for farm families considering generational transfer.

Additionally, Teagasc promotes collaborative farming models such as registered farm partnerships and share farming - structures that can foster co-operation between younger and older farmers while easing the transition of farm ownership and management.