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Organic horticulture class the first in Europe

Up to 15 students will be enrolled in the first year of Ireland’s first MSc in organic horticulture course, which will be taught in West Cork from later this year.

The course was officially launched this week by film director David Puttnam, a resident of West Cork.

The only one of its kind in Ireland and in Europe, the course will provide students with the scientific principles and practical applications of organic horticulture, for growing vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower crops in a sustainable, environmentally protective manner.

The master’s programme will be based at a newly established teaching and research base at the Liss Ard Estate near Skibbereen, and run by the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences in UCC.

“The research element of the new programme will be essential,” programme co-ordinator Prof Peter Jones said.

“Emphasis will be placed on graduates being able to test new methods, cultivars, etc in a scientifically rigorous way, leading to a body of research knowledge of value to Irish organic growers.”

The one-year full-time course will include study of crop production and plant propagation, organic certification, organic methods of controlling plant pests and disease, plant nutrition and crop physiology, as well as research skills and business planning for organic growers. Home

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