LIT scientists believe sustainable and environmentally sensitive farming can be profitable with the right knowledge and information

Sustainable and environmentally sensitive farming can be profitable with the right knowledge and information, according to LIT scientists. LIT students on a field trip – that are an integral part of the Environmental programmes at LIT.

LIT scientists believe sustainable and environmentally sensitive farming can be profitable with the right knowledge and information

Agriculture can and will provide a sustainable future for farming families across the Mid-West despite any challenges that may arise from the Climate Action Plan. That is according to Environmental Management lecturers from Limerick Institute of Technology’s Department of Applied Science. As Ireland’s largest indigenous industries, agri-food and fisheries collectively employs approximately 168,000 people with an annual output of more than €26 billion.

Not all Agriculture careers are worked out on the land but are positions that support farmers as they work to increase production in a sustainable manner that does not negatively impact the natural environment.
The demand for graduates who have a clear understanding of the relationship between agricultural, food production and key environmental issues continues to grow.

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Kevin Helion, Environmental Management in Agriculture Lecturer LIT said, “Farmers are well aware of the issues around climate change and how they are impacting on their livelihoods. They also belong to a sector willing to play their role in combatting climate change, with broad guideline to achieving this already set out in the Climate Action Plan.

“However, farmers and farming families need the best information available to assist them in sustainable and environmental farming, while also ensuring their farms remain profitable.”

“LIT, Thurles Campus, has responded to the region’s need for the information, research and skill set required to meet these demand from the agriculture sector, by developing a four year honours degree programme which provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to help manage the relationship between agriculture and the environment,” explained Mr Helion.

“Ensuring graduates can also provide a practical application to their knowledge is essential, therefore LIT has partnered with Gurteen College to deliver this innovative course. Students take modules in Gurteen College in first and third year, learning from the agricultural college’s large farm and modern facilities.”
The demand for graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management in Agriculture course is high, with many of this year’s graduates already in full employment.

Environmental Management in Agriculture Graduate Frances Hurley is working full-time with Agriculture Data having completed her work placement with the county Tipperary company that provides farm auditing services for Bord Bia as part of the Quality Assurance/Origin Green programme.

Ms Hurley said, “I wholly enjoyed my time studying in LIT, Thurles Campus especially the practical elements of the course, including lab work, field work and tutorials. The variety of lectures within this course allows you to gain a broad understanding of the Agri-environmental sector while learning how to achieve a better and more sustainable future in this industry.”

Further details on the Environmental Management in Agriculture course can be found here.

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