IOA certify a range of training centres that offer courses in organic production around the country. There are many types of courses available and they vary in length from a day or weekend course to full time courses. There is a huge interest in organic production and there is a great demand for courses around the country. Below you will find a list of the main traning centres certified by IOA with links to each centre.
An t-Ionad Glas
An t-Ionad Glas, Organic College, Dromcollogher, Co Limerick has been the primary centre in the south of Ireland to offer organic courses. The main focus of the college is the full time QQI Level 5 Organic Horitculture Course. This is for people who have an interest in commerical production. The college also has a second year Diploma certified by the Irish Organic Association. Weekend courses are also offered at the college for those who are interested in small scale production. The college has been pioneering organic traning for the past twenty years, and for the last 8 years has offered a Distance Learning course is Organic Production which is also accredited by QQI www.organiccollege.com
Nano Nagle Centre
The Nano Nagle Centre near Mallow is bursting with vitality and creation. Located on a working organic farm the suroundings are peaceful and tranquil. The ethos of the centre is Heritage, Spirituality and Ecology. It offers a place for retreats and it also has a conference centre and it has a range of courses on organic horticulture and farming. Educational courses for transition year students and for primary schools are run year round www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie
Irish Seedsavers
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