The deadline for applications for the organic farming internship programme provided by the Organic Growers of Ireland is Saturday 9 March.

The programme offers work placement for people interested in the sector for a minimum of 30 hours per week over a six-month period on well-established organic horticultural farms in Ireland.

According to programme co-ordinator Noel Clinton, of the previous interns they have had over 80% remain working within the sector in Ireland and more working abroad.

“The programme is now in its fifth year and we have seen numbers of farms and interns grow year on year, with 12 host farms signed up for this year’s programme,” Noel said.

The participants will be employed by the individual farms directly and will be supported by a formal training programme which is being funded by the Department of Agriculture.

Employers taking on apprentices are required to provide paid employment to the national minimum wage standards for employees on a structured training programme.

They also must spend time with the apprentices and explain all the ins and outs of the business. For more information and how to apply, click here.

Dry stone walling course

The National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) in association with the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland is providing part-funded one-day workshops where participants learn how to maintain, repair and build dry stone walls.

The one-day workshop costs €75 (including discount) when booked through nots.ie, where a 25% discount is available. Workshops are available in Glenfarne, Leitrim, on 6 April, Dromore West, Co Sligo, on 20 April and Streedagh, Co Sligo, on 4 May.

Cut/burn season closed

The closed period for cutting hedges and carrying out controlled burning of vegetation is now in place.

Farmers are prohibited from carrying out such work from now until after 31 August this year.

It is also worth noting that hedgerows cannot be removed between 1 March and 31 August either.