Ballyhoura Development CLG has launched a farm diversification training programme under its five-year European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative Farm Forward – connecting generations and farming for the future.

The funding for this programme has been allocated under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 through both the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

As pressures are increasing within the agricultural sector, diversification has become a key strategy in creating resilient and future-focused farm enterprises, Ballyhoura Development has said and “this programme will equip participants with the knowledge, tools and confidence to adapt to changing conditions while preserving their agricultural heritage”.

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Tom O’Leary of O’Leary and Associates Training and Consultancy Ltd will deliver the course.

Local Teagasc representatives will also be present at sessions to provide technical and advisory information.

Insights

Ballyhoura Development has said that the sessions will provide participants with insights on a range of topics including actionable farm diversification strategies, financial planning guidance, key market research insights, support in developing business plans and advice on preparing for funding and grant opportunities.

Farm succession and generational renewal coach with Ballyhoura Development Carrie O’Donoghue commented on how the training programme can help support farm families to remain sustainable in the future: “Ballyhoura aims to support farm families to diversify, thrive and take measures to future-proof their farm businesses.

"The Farm Forward EIP has been developed to provide a confidential, complimentary and easily accessible succession planning wraparound service, specifically designed for local farmers, farm families and individuals aspiring to enter the farming sector.

"Our objective is to foster a sustainable agricultural future, and we’re delighted to offer this training opportunity alongside our support services and informative talk sessions.”

The programme will run over three evening sessions from 8pm-10pm on Wednesday 18 March, Wednesday 25 March and Wednesday 1 April at Ballyhoura Development Offices, Coote Hall, Kilmallock, Co Limerick.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to farmers within the Ballyhoura area.

For further information or to register your interest, click here.