On behalf of the Taste 4 Success Skillnet, I am delighted to introduce the report ‘’Growing Jobs, Tasting Success’’, highlighting the impact, the Skillnet funding and training has on up-skilling job seekers, the opportunities for individuals to access work, and to create their own work opportunities throughout the food, seafood and beverage industry. The agri-food sector continues to play an integral part in Ireland’s economic recovery and is our largest and most important indigenous industry, contributing €26 billion in turnover and generating 12.3% of merchandise exports (approx. €10.5 bn in exports). The sector employs over 170,000 people, or 9% of total employment, and utilises 90% of outputs from over 130,000 farmers.
This report highlights the importance of our member companies and trainees in providing sustainable employment into the future, and enabling new entrants to grow and develop their own business. We believe that it is critical to identify and deliver training and skillsets that will enable those seeking jobs to be equipped with the knowledge and skills that will make them attractive to future employers.
