SETU welcomes delegation of EU organic ambassadors to Waterford
South East Technological University (SETU) welcomed a delegation of EU Organic Ambassadors to the University to showcase the South East’s growing organic agriculture sector and the University’s programmes. Pictured at SETU from (l-r) were: John Geraghty, Programme Director of the MSc in Organic & Biological Agriculture and Horticulture; Brian McGee, Head of Division for Organics, Locally Led and Market Supports at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, Eleanor Kent, Head of Department of Land Sciences at SETU, Niall Ryan, Agricultural Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Sean McGloin, Network Manager at National Organic Training Skillnet. Photo: Patrick Browne, Browne’s Photography.
The South East Technological University has welcomed a delegation of EU organic ambassadors.
The delegation visited SETU as part of a programme organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), held in conjunction with the Irish Presidency of the EU Council.
During their visit, the delegation met with SETU researchers and educators.
They heard from speakers including John Geraghty, Programme Director of the MSc in Organic & Biological Agriculture and Horticulture; Brian McGee, Head of Division for Organics, Locally Led and Market Supports at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and Sean McGloin of National Organic Training Skillnet.
Head Chef and lecturer, Michael Quinn and students from the Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts programme prepared a special lunch using locally sourced organic ingredients.
Students from the BA in Hospitality Management programme, along with Course Leader, Nuala Gordon, provided front-of-house support.
Welcoming the delegation, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell thanked the Department for including the University in the Irish itinerary and highlighted the importance of European collaboration in supporting the continued development of Ireland’s organic sector.
“The South East is an important agricultural region, long-recognised for its productive farming sector, and internationally renowned agri-food businesses,” said Prof. Campbell.
“SETU’s location in the heart of this important agricultural region has allowed us to develop collaborative relationships with producers, growers, industry partners and policymakers,” said Ms Campbell.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, highlighted Ireland’s role in the organic food industry.
“Ireland has seen significant triple-digit growth in Organic production over the past five years, fueled by increasing export demand and strong Government support.
"This expansion in the sector has also been enabled by excellent new programmes in education and research.
"SETU has been at the leading edge of course provision and research in Organics in Ireland, so it was important for the EU Organic Ambassadors to hear about this first-hand from the University," said Minister Heydon.
Eleanor Kent, Head of Department of Land Sciences at SETU, who acted as MC, outlined how SETU is one of Ireland’s largest providers of Land Sciences education, with programmes in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Food Science, Horticulture, Forestry and Sustainable Agriculture.
“Through these programmes, we educate the next generation of professionals who will help shape sustainable food systems and support vibrant rural communities. Our strong partnerships with local organic producers also ensure our teaching and research are grounded in real-world practice,” said Ms Kent.
Hosting the EU Organic Ambassadors provided a valuable opportunity to showcase SETU’s work in this area, while bringing delegates together to exchange ideas, strengthen connections and explore the future of organic agriculture.
“We thank the organic and biological farmers and stakeholders who continue to collaborate with SETU. We look forward to continuing our role in educating and promoting sustainable agri- food systems,” said Ms Kent.
