Upland farm scheme to start in October
Supported by the Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture, the scheme aims to replicate the success of Joe Condon’s Omega Beef Direct farm and food business in the Knockmealdown Mountains.
It is aimed at upland farmers with a mix of privately owned and commonage land, organically certified, producing Galloway cattle or extra mature blackface mountain lamb.
Interested farmers will benefit from fully-supported mentoring and training from production through butchering and preparation to direct marketing to consumers.
It is hoped they will spearhead development of this sustainable upland food business model in their regions.
Regional training days are planned in Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Donegal and other areas selected according to demand from farmers.
Training will be carried out by Joe Condon and rural development specialist Dr Oliver Moore over the 12 months life-span of the project.
Dr Moore said, “Applicants for the Organic Farming Scheme will from now on be expected to have an output and market focus, to have engaged with the organic sector already, and to have in place a business plan. In this context, upland farmers should give Organics with Altitude serious consideration.”
For more information, see the www.organicswithaltitude.com website or call Joe Condon at 087-2735447.
