Teagasc Offers Must-Attend Training for Farmers Eyeing New Business Ventures

The training is designed for those seeking to improve farm income, or branch into fresh ventures such as renewable energy, artisan food production, organic farming, and rural tourism. It offers practical guidance on business planning, connects participants with mentors, and links them with agencies that can provide ongoing support.

Workshops feature guest farmers who have successfully diversified their enterprises, along with Teagasc and industry specialists ready to answer questions. These sessions also offer valuable networking opportunities.

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. Due to demand, additional courses may be added to accommodate more participants. If a course is not scheduled in your area, you can express interest in future sessions focused on topics entrepreneurs want to explore.

Confirmed courses scheduled across the country:

• October 29 and November 5 – Options course in Castletownbere, Cork West Advisory region. Contact seamus.lordan@teagasc.ie
• November 4 and 5 – Two-day Artisan Food & Farm Diversification Training at The National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Contact anne.omalley@teagasc.ie
• November 6 and 7 – Producing Food on the Farm and Tourism Opportunities in Rural Areas at Naas, Kildare. Contact bernard.doorley@teagasc.ie
• November 11 (7 p.m.) – Course at Teagasc advisory office, Enniscorthy, Carlow/Wicklow/Wexford advisory region. Contact catherine.colfer@teagasc.ie
• November 18 and 19: Two-day Artisan Food & Farm Diversification Training at Teagasc, Mellows Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway. Contact eimear.hughes@teagasc.ie
• November 18, 20, 25 and 27 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) – Options courses in Limerick (Limerick Local Enterprise Office). Contact padraig.fitzgerald@teagasc.ie
• November 18 at 8pm – Options webinar hosted by the Waterford/Kilkenny Region – Speakers from Waterford Leader Partnership, Local Enterprise Office, BIA innovator campus & Teagasc. Find out more here
• November 19 (7 p.m.) – Course at Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow town, Carlow/Wicklow/Wexford advisory region. Contact catherine.colfer@teagasc.ie
• November 25 and 26 – Options course in Roscommon. Contact alan.obrien@teagasc.ie
• November 25 and 27, and December 2 and 4 (6 p.m.) – Options course at Teagasc, Kells Road, Navan, Co. Meath. Contact colm.barry@teagasc.ie  and peter.doolan@teagasc.ie
• November 25 (7 p.m.) – Course at Teagasc advisory office, Tinahely, Carlow/Wicklow/Wexford advisory region. Contact catherine.colfer@teagasc.ie
• November 26 and 27 – Options courses in Annalee room, Ballyhaise College, Co. Cavan. Contact john.conway@teagasc.ie
• November 25 and December 2 – Options events at Teagasc office, Thurles, County Tipperary. Contact sean.cooney@teagasc.ie
• December 9 and 11 – Options course in Midleton, Cork East. Contacts michael.bourke@teagasc.ie  and eimear.connery@teagasc.ie

See updates on above courses and events here

Commenting on the Farm Business Options training programme’s impact, Teagasc Energy and Rural Development Specialist, Barry Caslin said: “Teagasc is dedicated to supporting farmers in exploring new business avenues and adding value to their enterprises. The Farm Business Options programme fosters rural development, promotes sustainable land use, and drives economic growth. By investing in farmers’ education and providing support networks, we facilitate meaningful change and innovation in the agricultural sector.”

Fintan Phelan, Head of Farm Management and Rural Development in Teagasc, added: “This programme is part of Teagasc’s core strategy to help farmers diversify and thrive. The training opportunities are crucial for enhancing farm income, introducing new business ideas, and promoting continuous improvement and sustainability. By connecting farmers with local business support agencies and mentors, we lay the groundwork for a resilient and prosperous rural economy.”

Find more information or express interest in courses in your region here

Notes for Editors:
The programme covers evaluating current enterprises, developing business ideas, exploring food enterprises, energy crops, forestry, renewable energy, organic farming, and rural tourism. It also includes business planning, grant applications, farm finance management, succession planning, and networking with local business support agencies.