IFA Skillnet was set up in July 2003 through collaboration between the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Skillnets Ltd. With the links that the IFA maintains with agricultural producers, the IFA was aware of a need and an appreciation of the benefits of training and development opportunities.

The sectors involved in IFA Skillnet do not receive any direct payments through the EC Common Agricultural Policy. Other agricultural producers traditionally receive direct payment associated with levels of production. This buffer is not present with the producers in IFA Skillnet and they are therefore exposed to difficult market places. Reduced profit margins, sterling exchange rate fluctuations and increased competition from EU Member States are all problems encountered by these producers on a daily basis. The opportunity to attend training and networking events that can make the management of business more effective and efficient was grasped with the help of the IFA.

IFA Skillnet Aims to: - 

• Address the training needs of the unsupported sectors of Irish Agriculture;
• To enhance the industrys’ competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets by learning and absorbing best practice through a self-sustaining participant led training network;
• To empower companies that have had no management or staff training to manage their own training; 
• To improve the image of the industry for existing and potential employees and to increase the skills of those already in employment.

The Objectives of IFA Skillnet are to: -

• Formulate and deliver training which is tailored to the needs of members of the network and affordable to them;
• Establish a culture of training and learning and raise professionalism and standards in the industry by developing skills;
• Make good the skills off owner managers in the sectors outlined below in the areas of financial management, increased Internet and IT capability, Employment Legislation, Health & Safety and Business Practices such as Time Management.
  • Pig
  • Poultry
  • Nursery Stock
  • Aquaculture
  • Fresh Milk
  • Discussion, Producer & Purchasing Groups
• Achieve economies of scale, design, scope and speed and make training affordable that fits the business need.