In its fifth year running – the Sustainable Farming Academy, a collaboration between Tirlán co-op and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur has reopened for applications for September 2026 intake.

The Academy invites Tirlán co-op members to apply for the fully funded Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Practices, delivered by University College Cork (UCC).

The Certificate is delivered over 12 weeks, mostly online, with two or three in person sessions at UCC and a farm visit.

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The Academy aims to provide up-to-date knowledge to enhance on-farm productivity and sustainability and to support farm families in taking positive on-farm environmental and management actions.

“Since we established the Sustainable Farming Academy partnership with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, 60 Tirlán co-op farm family suppliers have graduated from UCC, with a further 20 completing their education this year,” Aoife Murphy chief ingredients officer at Tirlán commented.

“In addition, 15 education bursaries have been awarded to Tirlán co-op family members who have commenced third-level studies.

“Three successful scholars events have also been hosted, ensuring we continue to empower our co-op members with the knowledge needed to improve both on-farm economic and environmental performance,” she said.

“Through the Sustainable Farming Academy, we demonstrate our passionate commitment to supporting farmers on their sustainability journey. The Academy equips future generations with the knowledge and skills to progress sustainable farming even further, and we are delighted to partner with Tirlán and its co-op members on this successful initiative,” Aisling Gorman global sustainability marketing manager at Baileys added.

“Worthwhile”

Academy graduate and Tirlán co-op member Brigid Carroll, from Ballycanew, Co Wexford, described her participation in the Sustainable Farming Academy as “worthwhile and empowering.”

“The course is mostly online, and I was able to fit it in well alongside family life and the farm.

“Completing the course has given me the knowledge to make changes on our farm in areas such as fertiliser use, grassland management, energy use and animal care. “

These improvements will enhance both the economic and environmental performance of our family farm. Every Tirlán co-op member should definitely consider taking part,” she said.

Tirlán has said that co-op members interested in completing the fully funded Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Practices should submit their expression of interest by 30 June 2026 by filling out the form here.

More information on the Sustainable Farming Academy can be found here.