Teagasc, in collaboration with ICOS Skillnet and the fertiliser industry, has developed a 20-hour blended training course on sustainable fertiliser use. It is designed for professionals involved in the sale, purchase and advice relating to fertilisers.

The purpose of this course is to develop the awareness of participants in the areas of sustainable fertiliser use, soils nutrition, Irish and EU legislation, farm nutrient planning and practical fertiliser use on the farm.

Teagasc welcomes the opportunity to provide this training to the fertiliser industry, as we all work together to reduce gaseous emissions from Irish agriculture.

The training is delivered by Teagasc experts through the Teagasc ConnectEd programme, which delivers training and knowledge programmes to businesses and professionals working with the agri-food sector.

Thirty people representing 13 co-ops participated in the first course in October and a second course is currently underway.

Participants’ quotes

“I think with all the new regulations coming in that all staff in co-ops and merchants should have training like this. The more people who know, the less problems it will cause down the line. For example, merchants will sell whatever product farmers ask for and then the farmer could be penalised down the line for exceeding nitrogen or phosphorus allowances,” one participant stated.

“Very worthwhile course, would suggest it be made available to everyone that it would benefit,” another said.