There's optimism and interest in all things agricultural this year compared to last. "The outlook in agriculture is much more buoyant now than it has been for the past year," according to Dr David O'Connor, head of education at Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority.

Teagasc expects to fill all 1,200 third-level places this year. Its courses are on offer to students who want to study farming and go on to work on the land. It has a range of courses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Different courses are run at 15 different venues around the country.

The closing date for receipt of applications to courses is Friday, June 4th. O'Connor says last year "the looming review" of the Common Agriculture Policy and the "unprecedented rainfall levels in many parts of the country created an atmosphere of gloom over the industry". But this year, "things are looking significantly better" and he believes this will impact on students and their decision to pursue a career in farming.

The colleges where most of the courses are on offer are residential and have production units attached. Students get the chance to mix classroom work with practical work. The courses are tuition-free and have ESF maintenance grants available.

Although the Leaving Certificate is not essential, he says it is desirable for applicants to have it. He points out that agriculture is a major industry in Ireland today accounting for up to 30 per cent of net exports. It offers attractive job opportunities for trained people.

"Like many other sectors today the jobs available outnumber the job-seekers."

O'Connor advises students who begin with a certificate course to carry on through the diploma.

There are two-year specialist courses in areas such as farm machinery, pigs, poultry and dairying. Courses in horticulture, in horses and in forestry also have a wide appeal and offer attractive careers.

Contact Teagasc (tel: (01) 637 6000; fax: (01) 668 8023; email: athornton@hq.teagasc.ie