Teagasc will run a number of Organic Farming Principles courses, starting on August 26, in various locations across the country.
The 25 Hour Level 5 QQI Organic Farming Principles Course will allow you to gain essential skills and knowledge to meet organic standards. Additionally, a 25 hour QQI Level 5 Organic Farming Principles course must be completed before acceptance into the Organic Farming Scheme.
This course will equip you with the knowledge, skill and competence to apply organic farming principles to the production of organic produce, to meet market requirements and approved organic standards in compliance with European Union & Irish legislation.
On successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Outline the origin and development of the organic movement including the diversity or organic approaches and the range of certifying bodies
- Explain the principles of organic production
- Outline the procedures involved in converting from a non-organic to an organic production system
- Describe organic soil fertility practices
- Outline general standards for organic production
- Describe weed, pest and disease control in organic crops
- Plan a production programme to organic standards in accordance with conversion principles
- Complete the documentation required for conversion to an organic production system
- Describe soil amelioration techniques with organic production
- Manage a crop using organic principles
- Outline the key aspects of an organic production plan
- Assess the economic viability and market opportunities for organic production including EU and national supports
What do previous attendees have to say?
Pat Maher, Co. Tipperary
“For me, going organic was a lifestyle change, not a retirement option. It’s important to do the course in time as I found there was a lot to learn. The specifications for organic take time to sink in, so I found the course very useful to clarify what’s required in order to comply with the organic standards, it makes the transition smoother as I was more familiar with the organic requirements.”
Liz Hendy, Co. Wexford
Liz completed the 25 Hour Level 5 QQ1 Organic Farming Principles course in August 2023, with Marianne Mulhall, Specialist Organics Advisor for Teagasc, prior to entering the Organic Farm Scheme (OFS) in January 2024.
Liz said: “The course was delivered through a combination of online, in person classroom and farm visits. It is a compact course that offers a great insight into organic farming and what is required of you as an organic farmer. The classroom aspect of the course allowed for great interaction and discussion among the group. The farm visits allowed the opportunity to meet with organic farmers and hear about their experiences and rational for entering the organic farming scheme.
“The course is very accessible to all levels and every individual is catered for regardless of their academic ability. I felt fully supported throughout the course, in the knowledge that Marianne was always at the end of the phone to offer advice and knowledge in any aspect of organic farming.
“My biggest take way from the course has been how much organic farmers are willing to share their experiences, good and bad, and solutions they have found when problems have been encountered.”
Upcoming organic training courses
Starting on August 26, these training courses will take place in Portlaoise, Killarney, Tuam and Manorhamilton.
For more information or to register for the upcoming organic training courses, visit here.