Supervises departmental staff and monitors the implementation of various Government schemes relating to Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Agricultural Adviser- from: Youtube Search
- Agricultural Consultant- from: YouTube Video
Working Life
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 consultant/adviser- from: GradIreland
- Agricultural Contractor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Agricultural Adviser
You will need practical experience and a sound knowledge of farm management. In addition, communication skills, both written and spoken, including the ability to persuade and influence, are important. You will need to have a commercial outlook because agricultural advisers/consultants sell their services, as well as computer literacy. A driving licence is very useful.
Interests - Agricultural Adviser
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.
Entry / Progression - Agricultural Adviser
Employers will expect a degree in agriculture, horticulture, agricultural science, agricultural engineering or land and property management. Course are available throughout the country.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: animal care, project, supervisory management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: dairy management, agri business management, agri science, applied science, animal care.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Agricultural Mechanic, Farrier, Farm Tech and Farm Management Science.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: agri business, dairy management, agri science, animal science, agri biosciences, agricultural engineering, agricultural mechanisation, agricultural systems technology, sustainable agriculture, agriculture and environmental management
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: Food and agri business, agri analytics, co-operatives agri food and sustainable development, agricultural extension and Innovation, agricultural biotechnology.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Teagasc also run relevant courses, details of which can be found on their website.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Agricultural Adviser
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
Labour Market Updates - Agricultural Adviser
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Managers and proprietors in agriculture; Horticulture Managers; Proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services; Managers and proprietors in horse-racing and related industries.
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).
Useful Contacts - Agricultural Adviser
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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
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
