Teagasc Launch Series of New Fact Sheets on Potential Income Opportunities for Farmers

Many farmers are seeking additional sources of income to help sustain the family farm, and this is a priority for farmers at the present time.

To assist farmers, Teagasc has published a series of 52 short fact sheets on a wide range of potential additional income sources aimed at rural dwellers. The fact sheets were officially launched by Mary Coughlan T.D, Minister for Agriculture and Food in Kildalton College, on Wednesday 21 June. The fact sheets can be viewed at http://www.teagasc.ie/advisory/alternatives/200001/index.htm following the Teagasc Agriculture and Food 06 event.

The fact sheets cover a broad range of diverse areas in tourism, poultry, equine, alternative land use, energy, food, services and various other alternatives. Topics such as adventure tourism to dairy goats, wind energy, chocolate manufacture and honey production are also included in the series.

John Whiriskey, Teagasc Rural Development Programme Manager said: “I would like to encourage farmers to make use of the fact sheets. They are a valuable practical tool. The Teagasc Rural Development section intends to continue to expand the number of fact sheets available.”

Paul McCarthy, Teagasc Rural Business Specialist based in Athenry said: “The fact sheets are intended as a useful starting point for the farmer or rural dweller who may be interested in diversifying. Each fact sheet gives a general introduction to the topic, outlines the market potential, some important requirements, a basic costing scenario and they are set out in simple language.”

The 52 fact sheets available are listed as follows: