Munster Technological University (MTU) will host a stakeholder workshop exploring the future of rural life and farming in Ireland next month.

Titled 'Strengthening Rural Life: From Farm to Community', the event will take place on Friday, February 20, at the MTU Bishopstown Campus.

This workshop will bring together policymakers, farmers, community leaders and more to examine how Ireland’s rural communities "can remain socially vibrant, economically resilient and future-focused in the face of significant policy and structural change".

MTU said the workshop will provide a platform for open discussion on "how farming can continue to sustain not only food production, but community life itself, particularly across the south west region".

Panel discussions

Across three themed panel sessions, a number of topics will be covered.

Participants will explore the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 and its implications for rural industries and communities.

They will also examine how balancing specialisation and diversification can strengthen local economies and help rural communities thrive.

Participants will also consider the future of farming, including new educational pathways and technological opportunities to empower the next generation.

A keynote address will be delivered by MEP Billy Kelleher, who will provide insight into emerging EU policy directions.

Other speakers on the day will include Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynch, Macra president Josephine O'Neill, Dairy Industry Ireland director Conor Mulvihill and head of the animal and grassland research and innovation programme at Teagasc Laurence Shalloo.

Rural landscape

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Declan O’Connor, senior lecturer at MTU, said CAP plays a "significant role in shaping the rural landscape and beyond".

"Current indications point to significant changes to this policy post-2027," he said.

"This workshop will allow all interested parties to gain an understanding of current proposals and to discuss the potential outcomes of these changes in an open and honest environment."

Dr. David Goulding, vice dean of academic affairs in the Faculty of Science and Informatics at MTU, added: "By bringing together diverse perspectives, this workshop will provide an opportunity to help shape our education and training provision."

The event is funded by the Irish Dairy Centre of Vocational Excellence (DairyCoVE), an EU-wide initiative focused on strengthening vocational education and training within the dairy and wider agri-food sector.

MTU is an Irish partner in the project, which is led nationally by University College Cork.

The workshop next month is free of charge and open to all, with advance booking required. Registration can be completed online.