CRAIGAVON, NORTHERN IRELAND – Moy Park, the largest meat producer in Northern Ireland, has launched a learning and development program called the “Agricultural Academy.” The program is designed to educate employees throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the agricultural food industry through workshop-based learning and training seminars.

“Upholding the highest standard of animal welfare is the foundation on which our business is built,” said David Gibson, director of agriculture for Moy Park. “Our Agricultural Academy will enhance the knowledge and practical skills of our agri colleagues and provide them with long- term support to grow and progress within the business, and in the process, deliver real change and improved performance for Moy Park.”

A team of managers and mentors from Moy Park, in addition to external participants, will conduct the academy’s programming. The academy will also provide staff with management development opportunities and will focus on “key pillars vital to leading farming practices including innovation and research, bird performance and animal welfare.”

Agricultural Academy is the latest in Moy Park’s series of Academies and will combine its “Poultry Expertise” and “Technical Knowledge” programs.

“The academy exposes people to the diversity of growing chicken, what role science and technology plays and also what part we as individuals can play through enhanced management and best practices on the farm,” Gibson said. “Each component of this blended learning program will ultimately underpin our overarching aim of welfare as a condition.”