merrion street

- University College Cork course aims to build careers and talent

in the specialty and artisan sector -

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, announced this week that his Department is providing a bursary to twenty students undertaking a one year Diploma in Speciality Food Production at University College Cork. The students are from Cork, Laois, Limerick, Tipperary, Kerry and Waterford. The Minister said that that he was delighted that his Department was able to support the Diploma which "aims to build careers and develop talent in the speciality and artisan food sector. We are experiencing unprecedented interest in this area, both locally and on export markets. The potential of the artisan and specialty sector was recognised in the Food Harvest 2020 Report and it offers great opportunities to young entrepreneurs who are committed to developing agri-food businesses".

The Minister noted that University College Cork had an international reputation in food science and was noted for its commitment to training in food technology and food business and to rural development. "This Diploma will equip the participants with specialised skills and an understanding of the potential for developing specialist agri-food businesses which add value to the economy. The agri-food sector is central to economic recovery and growth and whose potential was recognised in Food Harvest 2020".

Minister Coveney wished every success to those doing the Diploma and to their future in food.