Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship University of Galway

Overview

The Masters in  Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship at University of Galway  provide learners with an innovation mindset and the ability to develop and test new products based on customer needs, as well as the financial planning, communications, and marketing knowledge needed. From 2018 to 2021, AgInnovate focused on training individuals to develop technical solutions for the agri-tech industry. Going forward, we intend to provide the skills needed to address the labour-market challenges facing farmers and rural communities in both the West and nationally. According to the Western Development Commission, there has been a ‘huge decline in the numbers working in agriculture. In 1996, 17.19% of people at work in the Western Region overall were employed in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing... Contrast this with Census 2022 where 5.23% of the population at work in the Region is now employed in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, less than a third of the 1996 figure.’ As highlighted in FoodVision 2030, this decline is largely driven by the limitations faced by primary producers in ‘their ability to make a decent livelihood and return for their endeavours, but also in helping to deliver on environmental and social sustainability.’ Our approach to teaching innovation skills aligns with Mission 2 of FoodVision 2030, which emphasises equipping primary producers with ‘the best tools for improving economic viability and resilience... [as well as the] approaches and technologies that they and others in the agri-food chain can implement to improve their overall economic standing.’ (p. 91). 

FoodVision 2030 (p. 113) estimates that 34% of Irish farms rely on grants and off-farm employment to remain viable, highlighting the strong demand for programmes that equip farmers with the skills needed to achieve profitability and self-sufficiency. Our target cohort also includes unemployed individuals from rural communities, who have accounted for 21–30% of our last three cohorts. 

To ensure our curriculum remains relevant, we actively consult with agri-food enterprises such as Farmeye, Castlemine Farm, McHale, AgriSpread, and Dairymaster. Our advisory board includes representatives from the IFA, Erne Foods, Fiorbhia Farm, and Galway Wool Coop. Additionally, Enterprise Ireland, Galway LEO, and UCD’s AgTech Accelerator provide insights into the growing demand for innovators in the sector. 

By equipping students with the skills to address national challenges, AgInnovate attracts participants from across Ireland. Last year, we welcomed students from 15 different counties. Women have made up between 27% and 41% of our last three cohorts. In addition to farming, students bring expertise in business, engineering, law, and arts. Each year, we recruit 30-35 adult learners through features in agricultural journals, radio interviews, and even parish newsletter announcements. Our graduates go on to launch startups, secure roles in agri-tech companies, develop social services for their communities, and, most importantly, apply innovations that revitalise family farms. 

Careers

We aim to create the job creators of the future both as new venture creators and innovators within agri-food and rural organisations. Key words in job titles that graduates would develop skills in are:

• Micro-entrepreneur (microenterprise)

• Founder

• Innovation manager

• Head of innovation

• Business manager

• New product development

• Design thinking

• Sales