Second round of Teagasc courses for prospective organic farmers

A SECOND round of Teagasc training courses for land owners considering converting to organic farming will take place later this month.

These 25-hour courses are FETAC accredited to level-5 standard and will be run for one day per week over a five-week period, starting in the week beginning January 25.

The venues for the Introduction to Organic Farming course are: Ballyhaise, Co Cavan; Boyle, Co Roscommon; Claremorris, Co Mayo; Kilmallock, Co Limerick; Letterkenny, Co Donegal; Oak Park, Co Carlow; Thurles, Co Tipperary; and Tullamore, Co Offaly. An introduction to organic vegetable production course will be held at Kinsealy, Co Dublin.

Teagasc organic specialist Dan Clavin said these courses are an excellent way of learning about what is involved in organic farming across a range of enterprises. They are aimed primarily at those considering joining the Organic Farming Scheme but also at anyone interested in learning about organic farming.

He said the courses meet the requirements outlined by Minister of State Trevor Sargent for new applicants to the Organic Farming Scheme. They involve both indoor sessions and visits to local organic farms.

Teagasc says organic farming can be a profitable alternative to conventional farming.

The courses due to start later this month follow a strong uptake of the Teagasc organic training courses held last autumn.