GLAS Special: Cultivating the future – the role of the Horticulture Education Leadership Group (HELG) in shaping Ireland’s green workforce
From Dr Owen Doyle, chairperson of the Horticulture Education Leadership Group
Print15 July 2026
As the Irish horticulture industry gathers at GLAS 2026 – bringing together growers, landscape professionals, educators and innovators – the spotlight is firmly on the future of skills, talent and education.
With horticulture spanning food production, environmental management, urban greening and lifestyle sectors, the need for a coherent and forward-looking education system has never been greater.
Responding to this challenge, the Horticulture Education Review 2025 report, commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine has laid the foundation for a transformative agenda, culminating in the establishment of the Horticulture Education Leadership Group (HELG), as a strategic multi-stakeholder body tasked with driving change across education.
An industry at a turning point
Ireland’s horticulture industry is dynamic, diverse and increasingly central to addressing global challenges – from climate change mitigation to sustainable food systems. Yet the 2025 Review identified a paradox: while education provision exists across all levels, student numbers are declining and programmes are under capacity.
Key issues include limited exposure to horticulture in early education, fragmented progression pathways, and a persistent lack of awareness about career opportunities. Indeed, one of the most striking observations from the Review was: “if you cannot see a career in horticulture, you cannot envisage one for yourself.” Addressing this visibility gap, alongside evolving industry skills needs, is a strategic priority.
The HELG reports to a sub-committee of the Horticulture Industry Forum (HIF). It is designed to act as a central coordinating body with a clear mandate – overseeing the implementation of the Review’s recommendations, align education provision with industry needs and global trends, facilitate collaboration across education providers, industry, and policymakers, promote horticulture as a modern, rewarding and innovative career, and support an all-island approach through North–South collaboration.
HELG provides the strategic leadership required to move from analysis to action.
A global horizon for Irish horticulture education
A defining principle of the Review is the concept of a “global horizon” for horticulture education. This vision recognises that Irish horticulture operates within an international landscape shaped by rapid technological innovation (AI, robotics, precision horticulture), sustainability and climate action imperatives, changing consumer demands for plant-based and locally sourced products and increasing globalisation of knowledge, markets and supply chains. Aligning education with these drivers ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but future-ready.
Reforming curriculum and pathways
HELG’s immediate priority is curriculum reform across all levels of education. The Review highlights the need to modernise content, particularly where standards have not kept pace with industry developments.
Proposed changes include the continued integration of digital technologies, data analytics and AI, placing a stronger focus on sustainability, climate science and resource efficiency, the inclusion of enhanced business, financial and entrepreneurial skills and having a greater emphasis on hands-on learning, internships and apprenticeships.
Equally important is the need to create clear and accessible progression pathways, ensuring learners can move confidently from further education into higher education and employment.
Building stronger industry-education links
Horticulture is an applied science, and the Review reinforces the importance of close industry engagement in education delivery.
The HELG is tasked with strengthening partnerships that will expand apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities, supporting industry-led curriculum input and real-world projects, enabling continuing professional development (CPD) for existing staff and the encouragement of research collaboration and innovation. This integrated approach ensures that education remains relevant, responsive and aligned with real business needs.
Promoting horticulture careers
Beyond curriculum reform, the HELG has a critical role in changing perceptions of horticulture. Despite its economic and societal importance, the sector continues to face challenges in attracting new entrants.
The Group is developing a coordinated advocacy strategy through collaboration with schools to introduce horticulture concepts early, the development of accessible career resources and pathways, the promotion of success stories and diverse career options through targeted campaigns that challenge outdated stereotypes. Repositioning horticulture as a high-tech, sustainable and impactful career choice will build a stronger talent pipeline.
Delivering impact
The HELG represents a significant milestone in the evolution of horticulture education in Ireland. Its success will be measured not only in policy implementation but in tangible outcomes, including increased student enrolment across education levels, improved alignment between skills provision and industry demand, enhanced programme viability and stronger international engagement and competitiveness.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a resilient, globally connected education system that supports a thriving horticulture industry.
In cultivating this future, the message is clear – education is the seed, and leadership is the catalyst for growth.
Read more: The future is growing – AI’s expanding role in horticulture
© 2026, Growtrade.ie by Patryk Goron
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