Education
A number of organic training courses are run by the following:
Organic College
An t-Ionad Glas, Organic College in Dromcollogher, Co Limerick has been pioneering organic horticultural training for over 30 years. The college runs a one year FETAC Level 5 course and it also runs a FETAC Diploma at Level 6. Alongside full time day courses the college offers a Distance Learning Course in Organic Horticulture which is ideal for anyone who cannot commit to full time education. For more information on all the courses available see www.organiccollege.com
Nano Nagle Centre for Ecology and Spirituality
The Nano Nagle Centre for Ecology and Sprituality is nestled in the peaceful Blackwater Valley just outside of Mallow, Co Cork. The centre is located on a working organic farm. It specialises in a range of short term organic courses for people interested in growing their own and also for those who are considering commerical production. The centre works closely with schools in the area educating about sustainable food production www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie
Irish Seed Savers Association
The Irish Seed Savers Association exists as a living testimony to the richness and wealth of the agricultural legacy of our ancestors. Irish Seed Savers Association was founded by Anita Hayes in 1991. The work was initially done on a small farm in Co. Carlow before moving to Capparoe, Scarriff in 1996. Now this has grown to a formidable 8 hectares and comprises organic gardens, orchards and woodlands. This ISSA offer a range of courses on seed saving, organic & bio-dynamic growing aimed at the public they are also run a lot of courses suitable for both primary and secondary schools www.irishseedsavers.ie
National Organic Training Skillnet
IOA is a founding member of the National Organic Traning Skillnet (NOTS) who offer a range of short term courses to the commercial organic sector. Courses are run regionally for details on all course available see https://nots.ie/
TEAGASC
Teagasc also run a number of organic courses and farm walks. Please see www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/training/ for further information.