Farmers to avail of Teagasc courses

MORE than 8,000 farmers attended Teagasc adult education courses last year, but an even higher number is expected to avail of this year’s programme.

Teagasc director of advisory services Pat Boyle, speaking at the programme launch, said farming, like all other occupations, needs continuous updating.

“With the ever changing role of farming, especially in relation to the environment, animal welfare and business management, the farmers of tomorrow must keep themselves informed.

“The wide ranging array of short and long-term courses, as outlined in the Teagasc adult education programme, will greatly assist farmers to achieve this objective,” he said.

The programme, which will be provided at local Teagasc Centres and colleges, includes over 165 courses in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS).

It will also have at least 45 courses in the advanced certificate in agriculture, certificate in animal and crop production and the certificate in farm business, as well as a wide range of courses in technology and financial management, IT, forestry and farm safety.

In addition, a range of food courses, will be provided at the Moorepark and Ashtown Food Research Centres.

Teagasc director of training and development Donal Carey said a recommendation of the Teagasc Education and Training provision report was the enhanced integration of education, advisory and research functions to provide more substantive training for farmers.