National Strategy for Horticulture 2023 to 2027
The HIF Sub Committee was instrumental in the development of the Government’s National Strategy for Horticulture and leads the implementation of the eight Key Strategic Actions it identified.
Horticulture Education Leadership Group (HELG)
Key Strategic Action 4 of the National Horticulture Strategy 2023-2027 focuses on education and addressing the challenge of attracting new entrants into the sector to maximise opportunities and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
In 2025, the Horticulture Education Review was published, which identified that while education provision exist across all levels, student numbers are declining and educational programmes are under capacity. Key issues include limited exposure to horticulture in early education, fragmented progression pathways and a persistent lack of awareness about horticulture career opportunities. The review outlines a series of recommendations for the horticulture sector to advance in order to enhance its attractiveness as a future career.
A key recommendation of the Review was the establishment of a Horticulture Education Leadership Group (HELG). This took place in February 2026 with the appointment of Dr Owen Doyle as Chair of the group for a four-year term.
The HELG brings together representatives from industry, education and research to lead the implementation of the Review’s recommendations and strengthen the future education and talent pipeline for Irish horticulture.
Key activities include:
- input into the review and modernisation of horticulture curricula
- coordinate and promote national advocacy campaigns to raise awareness of horticulture as a career
- strengthen collaboration between industry and education providers to ensure courses remain relevant
The HELG is also fostering links with educational organisations to introduce horticulture concepts at an early age, promote practical exposure to horticulture and support teacher delivery, recognising that building a sustainable talent pipeline begins long before students make decisions about future career choices.
Through implementation of the Horticulture Education Review recommendations, the HELG will play a key role in reversing the decline of new entrants to the sector and strengthen the future pipeline of skills and talent to the sector to support the future development of Ireland’s Horticulture sector.
Key HELG Activities & Outputs in 2026
- HELG Submission to NCCA Review of Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science
- HELG Facilitation of Horticulture Careers Panel Discussion at Bloom 2026
- HELG article in GLAS (July) 2026 edition
- HELG policy Document 2026
HELG Membership
Dr. Owen Doyle (HELG Chair), Grainne McMahon (Teagasc), Cara Daly (SETU), Hazel Proctor (TU Dublin), Rachel Freeman (TU Dublin), Joe Croke (MTU), David Dowd (CAFRE/DAERA), Aisling Reilly (UCD), Con Traas (The Apple Farm), Eamon Crean (Greenhill Fruit), Ciara Daly (DAFM), Siobhan Kiely (DAFM).
Contact
Dr. Owen Doyle - biologicireland@gmail.com