Upskilling agri-professionals on climate action
Teagasc, in partnership with Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), has launched a new training course to upskill agri-professionals in climate change and its impact on farming.
Focusing on sources of farm emissions and technologies to reduce emissions, the new training course ‘Climate Action and Farm Sustainability’ is targeted at agri-professionals in sales, advisory, training and support roles
“This course will provide agri-professionals with the opportunity to explore the science behind farm technologies available to Irish farmers to reduce farm emission, while improving farm productivity and profitability,” Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, said at the launch of the course.
“The course will be delivered at Teagasc centres and include farm visits to demonstrate the practical application of technologies to reduce farm emissions,” Professor O’Mara noted.
Through the course, participants will develop a farm sustainability plan through AgNav – a digital sustainability platform, available to farmers and advisors across Ireland. AgNav was created through a partnership between Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Additionally, the course will explore the role of farm biodiversity in reducing emissions, with implementation of farm measures to improve water quality. The course starts this autumn at the Teagasc Environmental Research Centre at Johnstown Castle, County Wexford.
Addressing a pressing challenge for farmers
“We are delighted to partner with Teagasc on the rollout of the Climate Action and Farm Sustainability programme which will help address one of the most pressing challenges facing farming today,” Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, commented.
“Equipping agricultural professionals with this knowledge and expertise will support farmers in reducing farm emissions, while ensuring long-term viability and sustainability of the farm for future generations,” Mr Cunningham added.
Attending the launch, Mark Gibson, Head of Knowledge Transfer Outreach and Innovation Department in Teagasc, said: “I want to acknowledge the dedication of our Teagasc team in developing this highly relevant training course. I also want to acknowledge our partner Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to providing affordable and practical learning opportunities to the agri-food sector which support the adoption of sustainable practices across sector.”