PhD Study : A cross-border analysis of key stakeholders’ perceptions of the drivers and barriers to generational renewal in Irish agriculture

Summary

The need for greater generational renewal in agriculture is a pressing policy issue in the EU. This is reflected in current reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy which have made generational renewal a priority policy area and linked it with much-needed innovation and structural change. In Ireland, the need for generational renewal is apparent: the average age of farmers is almost sixty, just one-third of farms are economically viable, and the climate crisis has demanded a step change in how farms are managed and operated (Dillon et al., 2021).  Despite this, there remains limited empirical evidence on the drivers and barriers to generational renewal in Ireland. Previous literature has underscored the limitations of monetary incentives to facilitate renewal (Conway et al., 2021), but, to date, no study has holistically assessed the range of relevant factors across a range of stakeholders in Ireland.

This project will fill that gap. The project will adopt a mixed methods methodology and include an extensive literature review, a survey and semi-structured interviews. Participants will be targeted on both sides of the border to provide an all-island, comparative dimension. The survey will be targeted at potential farmer entrants in agricultural colleges (e.g. Teagasc, CAFRE), while the semi-structured interviews will purposively engage with existing farmers at various stages in their career lifecycle. The main objective of the research is to identify the salient variables in generational renewal and then identify appropriate policy solutions. Throughout, the project will recognise the important role that stakeholders play in solving their industry’s generational challenge, and thus will actively promote their involvement in the design of policy solutions. Indeed, we recognise that the solutions to generational renewal are likely to emanate from building consensus and fairness across the farming lifecycle – from young, potential farmers to farmers with decades of industry experience.

The PhD researcher will be supported by two experienced academic supervisors from Ulster University and two experienced supervisors from Teagasc. You will receive training on each methodological approach from Ulster University's Doctoral College and gain experience of designing and distributing questionnaires, and undertaking interviews with farmers, potential farmers and relevant policymakers. You will also get the opportunity to spend one year working with policy experts in Teagasc and receive a budget for attending conferences to present your research. We encourage inquisitive individuals who would enjoy delving into the multitude of motivations behind farm-level decision-making to apply. The project provides an excellent opportunity to generate high-quality research with real-world policy implications.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Teagasc Walsh

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £16,062 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). This scholarship is open to both UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI) applicants.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.