Minister Launches New REPS Training Programme

5 September, 2003

The Minister for Agriculture and Food, Joe Walsh, launched a new interactive system of training for participants in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) at the Teagasc college, at Clonakilty, Co. Cork, today (Friday, 5 September).

Produced by Teagasc and sponsored by ACC Bank, the new training system will become a central part of all REPS training courses run by Teagasc. It involves the use of DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) which are at the cutting edge of modern information technology and will bring virtual reality to the classroom.

The training videos contain comprehensive information on all aspects of good environmental practice at farm level, presented in an interesting and stimulating manner. They involve detailed instruction on key aspects of REPS, including water quality protection, nutrient management, habitat and natural heritage protection and hedgerow enhancement.

Eugene Ryan, Head of REPS with Teagasc, said the new training resource will enhance the organisation’s REPS training programmme and will ensure that farmer participants will benefit from the most modern methods of communications.

“Teagasc is the largest REPS planning agency in the country, providing professional assistance to almost 50% of the 38,000 farmers currently participating in this major environmental scheme. The completion of a training programme is now one of the compulsory requirements of the scheme.

“We are adamant that rather than merely fulfil the requirements of the scheme, a REPS course should also stimulate participants to broaden their appreciation of the environment and to add new features which will improve the attractiveness of their farms. I am confident that these new training materials will help greatly in meeting these objectives. Without substantial support from ACC Bank, we would not have been able to achieve the quality which we have today,” he said.

"ACCBank are delighted to be associated with the production of this DVD, which contributes to the enhancement of the rural environment through REPS and which facilitates the delivery of quality training courses to REPS participants," said Paddy Horgan, National Agri-Business Manager ACCBank.

As well as being the key resource in REPS training, Eugene Ryan said the DVDs will also be widely used in all Teagasc training programmes for young entrants to the agricultural industry and in the wider environmental area.