Teagasc Announces New Course in Organic Farming

6 August, 2003

The first ever full-time course in organic farming is to be provided at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co Galway, starting in September.

The two-year Vocational Certificate in Organic Farming is nationally accredited by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC). The course has the same recognition as the existing Vocational Certificate in Agriculture and students who successfully complete it will be eligible for Stamp Duty Exemption and Installation Aid.

Announcing details of the new course Paddy Browne, Head of Education with Teagasc, said it is geared to the training needs of young people who wish to pursue careers in organic farming and in the organic sector.

The two-year course combines classroom instruction with practical and skills training at Mountbellew College, which has its own organic production unit. The Teagasc organic demonstration farm at Mellows Centre, at nearby Athenry, will also be used as a key resource.

During the second year, students spend nine months on paid work experience on an approved training farm where they learn management and develop competence in vital skills.

Application forms for the course are available from Mountbellew College, phone 0905 79205; email: tvburke@iol.ie. Application forms can also be downloaded from here.