“Strengthening Rural Life: From Farm to Community”

Friday, 20 February 2026: Munster Technological University (MTU) will host a major stakeholder workshop exploring the future of rural life and farming in Ireland, at its Bishopstown Campus.

Titled “Strengthening Rural Life: From Farm to Community,” the free, public workshop will bring together policymakers, farmers, educators, innovators, community leaders and interested members of the public 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.

The workshop is centred on the role of rural communities at the heart of Ireland’s agricultural future and 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.

Across three themed panel sessions, participants will explore the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 and its implications for rural industries and communities; examine how balancing specialisation and diversification can strengthen local economies and help rural communities thrive; and consider the future of farming, including new educational pathways and technological opportunities to empower the next generation.

The workshop will be anchored by a keynote address from Billy Kelleher MEP, providing insight into emerging EU policy directions and helping to shape a shared vision for a strong, connected rural Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Declan O’Connor, Senior Lecturer at MTU, said: “The Common Agricultural Policy plays a significant role in shaping the rural landscape and beyond. Current indications point to significant changes to this policy post-2027. 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 while at the same time ensuring that the ongoing DairyCoVE project remains responsive, relevant and community-driven.”

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 is free of charge and open to all, with advance booking required. Registration: https://farming-rural-life.eventbrite.ie/

For media queries, please contact:
Dr Declan O’Connor
087 615 1284 declan.oconnor@mtu.ie

or

Dr David Goulding
086 089 2427  david.goulding@mtu.ie

About MTU

Munster Technological University is the South West’s newest technological university, comprising six campuses across Cork and Kerry and a student population of approximately 18,000. MTU is a leader in higher education both regionally and internationally, offering programmes ranging from apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees to Master’s and PhDs, with a strong focus on innovation, enterprise engagement and lifelong learning.