Education – A Guide to Transferring the Family Farm

Carmel Finlay

Education is a key consideration when planning the transfer of the family farm. The choice of educational programme is a very important decision. Succession planning should include adequate time to investigate the range of agricultural training programmes.

Currently, there are several different types of courses covering a range of subjects in the land-based sector from Level 6 to Level 8 awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). However, it is important to note that a person intending to avail of tax exemption from Revenue or additional payments from Department of Agriculture and the Marine (DAFM) as a “Trained Farmer” (TF) must ensure that they select a course that is a listed and approved TF qualification. In addition, it is always advisable to check the status of training programmes when considering training options. The list of the approved TF courses is available with the relevant scheme documentation or revenue tax manuals. Qualifications from other jurisdictions, such as NI or UK can be adjudicated to determine if they are equivalent to DAFM/ Revenue approved trained farmer qualifications.

Types of Courses

There are several different types of courses covering a range of subjects in the land-based sector. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) have responsibility for the quality assurance of further and higher education and training, validating programmes and making awards. QQI is also responsible for the maintenance, development and review of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

The NFQ was established in 2003 and provides a structure (a framework), for the Irish qualifications system. The NFQ is a system of ten levels, based on standards of knowledge, skill and competence. Qualifications achieved in secondary school (State Examinations Commission), further education and training (FET) and higher education (Universities, Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology) are included in the NFQ. Visit the Quality and Qualifications Ireland website for more details.

Further Education Courses

Further education and training programmes in the land-based sector (agriculture, horticulture, forestry and equine) are focused on practical skills training and assessments in addition to theory-based learning. Many graduates of further education courses in agriculture will return to farming either in a full-time or parttime capacity. The Teagasc further education and training courses in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and equine are nationally accredited by QQI.

After completing secondary school, school leavers can apply to Teagasc Level 5 full-time courses at agricultural colleges around the country. Having completed such a course, graduates can apply for a Level 6 full-time course, such as the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture. The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture, Horticulture, Equine and Forestry courses are listed and approved to meet the DAFM and Revenue educational requirements for trained farmer status.

The QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture consists of a further one-year full-time programme completed in agricultural colleges. This is a practical course which also includes two periods of placements on registered host farms.

Please note that for the 2026 and following academic cycles also note are new entry requirements for Teagasc Level 5 full-time programmes, details are available on the Teagasc education website.

The QQI Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming is the minimum agricultural training requirement for a trained farmer. This course is commonly known as the Teagasc Green Cert. Students must complete the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture in order to gain entry to the QQI Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming. There are two routes available for completion of this programme:

1. Part time
2. Distance Education

Teagasc also deliver programmes in horticulture, equine and forestry. See the Teagasc Education webpage for further details.

Teagasc Apprenticeship Programmes in the land-based sector

Teagasc coordinate four higher education apprenticeship programmes accredited by QQI in the following sectors:

• Farm Technician (NFQ Level 6)*
• Farm Manager (NFQ Level 7)*
• Horticulture (NFQ Level 6)*
• Sportsturf Management (NFQ Level 6)

(*indicates which Teagasc apprenticeship programmes are listed and approved for trained farmer status.)

Apprentices engage in on-the-job training with a SOLAS Approved Employer during the two-year apprenticeship programmes. (SOLAS is a government agency which manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes including Apprenticeships).

An apprenticeship involves a learner working in a full-time job with additional learning relevant to the occupation that the person wants to work in. The apprentice is paid a salary for the duration of the programme (both on-the-job training and off-the-job periods). The apprenticeship gives the person hands-on experience, a salary, and the opportunity to gain qualifications while they work.

More details on the Teagasc apprenticeships are available here.

Higher Education Courses

Teagasc is involved in the provision of Higher Education Courses. These courses are suitable for people who wish to gain a qualification at higher education in the land-based sector. Courses are available in universities, technological universities and Institutes of Technology. Some courses are conducted jointly with higher level institutions and agricultural/horticultural colleges. Many of the higher education courses that Teagasc helps deliver are listed in the DAFM and Revenue approved qualification for trained farmer status. Graduates of the higher level programmes may return to farming while many will develop careers supporting the agri-food sector. Recruitment to these courses is through the CAO system. There are progression routes from Level 6 Higher certificates and Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree awards to Level 8 Honours Bachelor awards.

Approved and Eligible Young Trained Farmer (YTF) Qualifications

Where persons are intending to avail of tax exemption from Revenue or additional payments from Department of Agriculture and the Marine (DAFM) as a “Trained Farmer” (TF), they must ensure that they select a listed and approved TF qualification. It is essential to refer to the relevant DAFM scheme documentation or Revenue tax manual for details of the approved TF educational qualifications listings. It is advisable to check the status of training programmes in advance of commencement of any programme. Please note that partial completion of a programme does not grant trained farmer status.

Life Long Learning and Continuing Education

Initial training courses are a foundation on which a person can build on as their career progresses. As with any career, learning new knowledge, skills and competence is crucial and keeping up to date with new advancements and technology is very important.

In the agri-food sector, people can improve their skills and build on their existing knowledge on a continuous basis by continuing their learning. There are a number of ways to continue learning:

• Formally – by taking on an accredited course awarded by QQI or other recognised awarding bodies
• Informally – by attending discussion group meetings, open days, conferences and meetings

Education will broaden a person’s knowledge and opinions and will expand horizons for new opportunities. Teagasc training courses are provided across a very wide range of subject matter areas from leading edge technology and business courses to issues concerning the public good such as environment, food safety and occupational safety. Please note that completing such short courses does not confer trained farmer status. Teagasc offer a number of accredited courses and participants have the option of accumulating modules or progression to QQI major awards. Further details regarding courses are available on the Teagasc Education webpage.

Table 1: Summary of Schemes and Minimum Educational Requirements

The above is Chapter seven from A Guide to Transferring the Family Farm. This booklet provides essential information on taxes, legal issues, collaborative farming options, pensions and education issues relating to farm transfer.

Download a copy of A Guide to Transferring the Family Farm