Teagasc Launch Adult Education Programme

Teagasc recently launched its comprehensive adult education and life-long learning programme aimed at meeting the statutory and practical training requirements of adult Irish farming.

With over 8,000 farmers attending Teagasc adult courses last year, the 2006/2007 programme hopes to further increase the number of full and part-time farmers attending these courses.

Speaking at the launch of the programme Director of Advisory Services Pat Boyle said, "Farming, like all other occupations, needs continuous updating. With the ever changing role of farming, especially in relation to the environment, animal welfare and business management, the farmer of tomorrow must keep themselves continuously informed. The wide ranging array of short and long term courses, as outlined in the Teagasc adult education programme, will greatly assist farmers to achieve this objective"

The programme, which will be provided at local Teagasc Centres and colleges, includes over 165 REPS courses, at least 45 courses in the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture, Certificate in Animal and Crop Production and the Certificate in Farm Business, as well as a comprehensive range of courses in Technology and Financial Management, IT, Forestry and Farm Safety. In addition, a range of food courses - suitable for farmers and those in the food industry - are provided at our two Food Research Centres - Moorepark and Ashtown.

To complement the Teagasc Options Programme, the Adult Education Programme includes a wide ranging series of short courses on alternative farm enterprises and non-farm activities including Start Your Own Business courses, Succession Planning, Return to Work, Agri-tourism and Amenity Horticulture.

Referring to the recent report of the Education Forum Donal Carey, Teagasc Director of Education and Development said: "A key recommendation of the recent report of the Teagasc Education and Training provision was the enhanced integration of Teagasc Education, Advisory and Research functions to provide more substantive training for farmers. This is evident in this new Adult Education programme."

Farmers wishing to get further details on any adult course in their area should contact their local Teagasc area manager or education officer.