Distance learning for farmer training

Distance learning courses via the internet are to become an increasing feature of farmer training in the future.

The development is part of a radical new approach by Teagasc which regards ongoing training as vital to survival in farming.

Teagasc Head of Education Paddy Browne said it is especially vital in environmental protection, food safety, business management, new technologies and global markets.

A number of Teagasc teaching staff have already been equipped with skills to tutor distance-learning students over the internet.

The first course for adult farmers is scheduled to take place later this year and participants will be able to communicate with their tutor and with each other via a dedicated web-based system.

Each year, more than 8,000 farmers attend special courses run by Teagasc. The trend of young people going to British colleges has almost disappeared. In 1999, 70 potential entrants to farming here enrolled in agricultural training courses in British colleges. Last autumn there were six.

Numbers in Teagasc training courses in the current year are up by almost 10%, the first increase in almost a decade.

Participants in all nationally accredited Teagasc courses have the opportunity to progress to university degree level.