Minister Pippa Hackett launches WIT MSc in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Minister Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity launched the first Masters in organic and biological agriculture in Ireland at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) on Thursday, 3 February 2022.

Developed in partnership with National Organic Training Skillnet, the MSc in Organic and Biological Agriculture will have its first full intake in September 2022.

The MSc is one of 10 new flexible courses from the Department of Science in WIT’s School of Science & Computing which will upskill farmers, producers and growers in organic and biological agriculture practices.

Recognising that WIT is one of the largest providers of land sciences education in Ireland and has undergraduate degrees in agriculture, agricultural science, food science, forestry, horticulture and land management, Minister Hackett welcomed this course in particular. She said:

“Farmers, advisors and policy makers need an increased level of knowledge and understanding of soil health and organic farming, so I am delighted to see this Masters in Organic and Biological Agriculture becoming available.

"I am sure the breadth of flexible study options will be very attractive and will help hugely in our drive towards developing organic agriculture here to levels experienced across Europe. Our targets are sizeable.

"Today only 2% of our land is under organic production, but we are aiming to increase that 90,000 hectares to 350,000 hectares, or 7.5% of our land, by 2030. It’s a big task but a very worthwhile one, as it is also an important step in help us reach our commitments to Climate Action through a reduction in greenhouse gases, and improved biodiversity and water quality."

In addition to a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in organic and biological agriculture, WIT has developed certificates in soil health and water management, crop management, livestock management, food health and nutrition, agroforestry and landscape biodiversity, project management and marketing, and research methods in biological agriculture.

Prof Peter McLoughlin, Head of School of Science & Computing noted that “These programmes were based on a needs assessment carried out in conjunction with the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), farmers, growers, and producers on the ground, and among other industry stakeholders. Course content has been developed by staff with expertise in key areas, with many actively engaged in research and farming. The programme will also be informed by organic growers and producers in Ireland.”

Sean McGloin, Manager of National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), said “Through our engagement with farmers, growers and producers, NOTS identified an increased demand for, and interest in, specific areas including soil biology and health, more integrated approaches to livestock management and the strategic use of agro-forestry to enhance on-farm biodiversity. In combination, all these areas lead to better climate resilience on Irish farms. Funded as part of the Skillnet Ireland Future Dynamics initiative, new programmes like this will help growers and producers to enhance their knowledge and skills.”

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