The Irish Seed Trade Association (ISTA) is currently running a competition for secondary school students to promote crops as a subject at third level. 

ISTA is partnering with the Irish Agricultural Science Teacher’s Association on the award, which is based on the student’s agricultural science project for their Leaving Certificate.

It starts with planting the seed and that is what this competition is intended to do. 

Career in crops

Association president Tim O’Donovan is conscious the tillage sector needs capable interested students to pursue careers in crops to support the future viability of the sector.

Members of the Irish Seed Trade are conscious of the need to plant the seed early in students minds that a career in crops can be very rewarding.

The sector offers opportunities in seed testing, agronomy, sales and research among other roles.

The areas of seed and plant health, soil science, and plant protection products are all central to the crops sector but can provide a basis for many careers.

If you are completing your Leaving Certificate or thinking about doing agricultural science at senior cycle, it is worth giving thought to the topic you choose for the IIS (Individual Investigative Study / Project).

Those who do investigative studies on topics of interest to the sector are eligible to apply for the bursary.

Bursary

There will be four national winners of the bursary who will receive €500 each.

Of these winners, those who go on to choose a crops specific course at third level will receive a further €1,000 in each year of the course.

Students who study agriculture in college will receive a further €500 in December of year 1 in college and students who choose crops electives or thesis projects in the subsequent three years will receive a further €500 per year.

To apply, send a cover sheet to include the students and parent / guardian name (if U18), address, email and phone, your school name and the name of your Ag. Science teacher.

It should also include a 200-300 word paragraph on the reason for selecting the topic of the project. A copy of the project (IIS) is to be provided with the application.

Entries for bursary can be emailed to info@irishseedtrade.ie.

The closing date for entries is May Bank Holiday Monday (May 4).

Entries will be assessed on the below criteria. Ensure you receive acknowledgement of receipt of your entry.

40% –  findings with the most value to the crops sector.
30% – applicants understanding of the industry
30% – quality of research / compilation of case depending on the topic

Courses above should begin within two academic years post Leaving Certificate.

Of the four winners of the bursaries in 2025, one is now studying Crop Science while two others are studying Agricultural Science – all three students are attending UCD with continuing support from The Irish Seed Trade Association.

Students can also avail of contacts within the Irish Seed Trade Membership while pursuing their studies.

Entries for bursary can be emailed to info@irishseedtrade.ie.