Teagasc Launches Farm Options Training And New Support Booklet

Teagasc has launched two new separate initiatives which are aimed at helping farmers diversify their holdings, and informing farmers of supports and schemes available to them.

Teagasc has officially launched its 2024 Farm Business Options training programme. The nationwide initiative aims to empower farmers and farm family members to diversify their enterprises and explore new business opportunities, according to the advisory body.

The second initiative is a new booklet titled Support for Farmers, which is a collaboration between Teagasc and the Citizens Information Board (CIB).

The first initiative – the farm business training programme – is organised by Teagasc farm business options coordinators and delivered in collaboration with local enterprise offices.

The training programme is aimed at providing guidance on developing business plans, connecting participants with mentors, and introducing them to agencies that can provide support.

It is hoped that the training programme will improve farm income by exploring new business opportunities, including renewable energy, artisan food production, organic farming, rural tourism, and many other business ideas.

Workshops are free, but prior registration is required, which can be done at local Teagasc offices or through the Teagasc website.

Barry Caslin, Teagasc energy and rural development specialist, said: “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 agriculture sector.

The training programme covers:

• Evaluating current enterprises;
• developing business ideas;
• exploring food enterprises, energy crops, forestry, and renewable energy options;
• Learning about organic farming and rural tourism;
• Understanding business planning and grant applications;
• Managing farm finances and succession planning;
• Networking with local business support agencies.

New Teagasc Booklet

Meanwhile, the new Teagasc booklet Support for farmers explains the supports and schemes available to farmers during their careers.

The topics covered include: becoming a farmer; farming education and training; supports and tax reliefs for young farmers; farming grants and schemes; social welfare supports; employing agricultural workers; farm business management; farm successions planning; pensions; and several other topics.

The information in the booklet is also contained on a new section of the CIB website dedicated to farmers.

The booklet is available through citizen information centres and Teagasc advisory centres, and can be downloaded from the CIB and Teagasc websites.

Commenting on the release of the new booklet, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: “This publication by CIB and Teagasc offers vital support and guidance, ensuring that farmers have access to the information they need to manage their farms effectively and plan for the future.”

(Source – Agriland – Charles O Donnell – 24/09/2024)