Teagasc Launches Options for Farm Families Programme

Teagasc’s National Farm Survey for 2004, just published, showed that on 52 per cent of farms last year, the farmer and/or spouse had an off-farm job.

With the Single Farm Payment scheme now in place, and pressure on farm income likely in the future, farmers have to consider all options to maintain and improve their incomes.

The uncertainty that this new environment has created is causing concern for many farmers - concern about how they can maintain an adequate farm and household income and a decent quality of life for themselves and their families.

But this new scenario also provides many opportunities for farming families – opportunities to develop new on-farm enterprises and to access off-farm employment - provided they have the right information, skills and attitude to grasp those opportunities.

The Teagasc Options for Farm Families Programme is designed specifically to help farm families to confront these challenges and capitalise on these opportunities that will be presented in the coming years.

To date, over 12,000 farm families have participated in the first Planning Post Fischler programme, now the Options for Farm Families Programme.

Every farm family is different. Some are positive about the future, others wary. Some have a clear picture of where they want to go and how they want to work and live their lives. Others need expert guidance and assistance. Teagasc’s Options for Farm Families Programme allows farmers and their families to look objectively at their situation, analyse the options available for the farmer and his or her spouse and provides independent advice and guidance on the best way forward.

Mr Pat Boyle, head of Teagasc’s Advisory Service Directorate, says the Options for Farm Families Programme aims to encourage farmers to be realistic about their future in a positive way. “We’re trying to help farmers improve incomes and look at their quality of life. We are looking at options on farm but also off-farm, which is new.

“We are setting out to challenge farmers, but in a constructive way. The whole thrust is family-oriented, which is hugely important.

“We are determined to work with other agencies where required. If a farmer’s future involves an off-farm job, we will work with FÁS and other agencies.

“There is a certain urgency for farmers to get involved in examining their options, because farming has changed so much. This is not something they can postpone,” he adds.

The Options for Farm Families Programme is the centerpiece of the Teagasc exhibit at the National Ploughing Championships, which take place at Mogeely, Midleton, Co Cork from September 27th to 29th, inclusive.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Teagasc by Walsh Public Relations

For further information, contact

Ella Shanahan/Fiona Murphy, Walsh Public Relations

Tel: 01 661 3515; 087 654 0666; 087 972 8696