Ireland – New Zealand Exchange Program to Strengthen Agricultural Talent and Support Irish Farms
FRS Farm Services (FRS) is proud to announce a new international partnership with New Zealand-based recruitment firm Max People Ltd. This will create a landmark exchange program aimed at addressing calving season workforce needs and enriching agricultural experience for young people in both countries.
This initiative will facilitate a two-way exchange of skilled agricultural workers between Ireland and New Zealand. It will provide Irish and Kiwi farm staff, students, and young professionals with the opportunity to work abroad during their respective peak seasons. With FRS’s extensive national network and Max People’s experience in international workforce placement, the program will offer a practical, supported, and structured pathway for cross-border agricultural work.
“We are delighted to partner with Max People on this exciting new exchange initiative,” said Colette McInerney, Operations Manager at FRS Farm Services. “This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between Ireland and New Zealand. Both countries are deeply rooted in agricultural excellence. By creating a two-way pathway for young people to gain hands-on, international farming experience, we’re not only addressing critical seasonal labour needs, but also investing in the future of our industry. We look forward to the many opportunities this partnership will bring for both Irish and New Zealand participants.”
Over the past two years, Max People has placed more than 150 Irish workers on New Zealand dairy farms. This was primarily during the Irish academic break from January to May. However, this same window aligns with Ireland’s own peak calving season, leaving Irish farms facing staff shortages. Historically, there has been limited movement in the opposite direction, with few New Zealanders coming to Ireland to gain experience. This partnership aims to change that.
New Zealand candidates including agricultural students, working holidaymakers, and recent school leavers will have the opportunity to work on Irish farms. Participants will receive:
- Pre-arranged job placement and accommodation
- Airport pick-up and on-the-ground support
- Visa assistance, including access to Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorisation scheme
FRS will match incoming workers with suitable host farms across the country, offering meaningful seasonal roles that support Irish farmers during their busiest months, while also delivering a valuable learning and cultural exchange.
This partnership represents more than a staffing solution it is a strategic investment in the long-term resilience and global connectivity of the agricultural sector. Irish farms will benefit from fresh perspectives and added labour capacity, while young New Zealanders will gain hands-on experience in Ireland’s unique, family-based farm systems.
“This is about collaboration, not competition,” said Trina Moore, Recruitment Manager at Max People. “We’ve had years of incredible support from Irish ag colleges and farm families. Now, we’re proud to help create new opportunities for New Zealanders to gain the same kind of seasonal experience and support Irish farming communities in return.”
The FRS and Max People partnership is a forward-thinking step toward building an international agricultural talent pipeline supporting both the immediate needs of Irish farmers and the long-term development of a skilled, mobile, and globally connected workforce.