The Work

The work of the Agricultural Advisor involves working with farmers and agri-businesses to develop agriculture related activities in a particular part of the country.   
  
In addition to the traditional farming enterprises, such as cattle, sheep, tillage and dairying, newer areas such as farm forestry, horticulture, alternative enterprises and rural or community development have increased in importance.   
  
The Advisor will work with people through on-farm visits, group discussions, office and phone consultation and a variety of formal and informal training programmes. Local radio and press are important methods used in reaching a larger audience. Meetings seminars, classes, farm demonstrations and group sessions also play a major role in the day-to-day work of an advisor.   
  
In addition to the above, an Agricultural Advisor will, in the course of his/her work play a major role in making essential information available on:

• EU Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development schemes and programmes 
• Environmental management and planning
• Environmental training programmes 
• Cereal and livestock area aid schemes
• Alternative enterprise development 
• Community Leadership 
• Quality food assurance schemes 
• Formal training courses

Agriculture Advisors frequently play a vital role in farm planning, for those who wish to participate in schemes or programmes and also assist farmers in completing applications or preparing maps.

Further Information

• Agricultural Adviser - from: GradIreland
• Agricultural Adviser - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Employers will expect a degree in agriculture, horticulture, agricultural science, agricultural engineering or land and property management. Course are available throughout the country. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Animal care, Project & Supervisory Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Dairy management, Agri Business Management, Agriscience, Applied science, Animal care courses at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Agricultural mechanic, Farrier, Farm Tech & Farm management Science on offer at NFQ levels 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Agri Business-Dairy Management, Agri Business, Agri Science, Animal science, Agri-Biosciences, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Mechanisation, Agricultural Systems Technology, Sustainable Agriculture Agriculture and Environmental Management NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Food & Agri business, Agri-Analytics, Co-operatives Agri-Food & Sustainable Development, Agricultural Extension & Innovation, Agricultural Biotechnology NFQ level 9.

Teagasc also run relevant courses details of which can be found on their website.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €33k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Salaryexplorer/ Teagasc/ Glassdoor/Payscale

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to farm managers (including pig and dairy). 

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

  • Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow
  • (059) 917 0200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here