The course is suitable for farmers and growers who have a limited knowledge of organic production methods and who are considering converting to organic production. During the past year, a similar course, run on several occasions, attracted over 200 participants. The course has been modified this year to facilitate a farm visit during the second day. The first day of the course will be held in Greenmount College on Thursday 20 April. Topics covered include the basic principles of organic production, rotations and soil fertility, the role of legumes, environmental management, marketing organic produce and the Organic Farming Scheme.
Participants can also attend a session on either animal health or organic horticulture.
On the second day the topics will be more enterprise specific. The choice of horticulture, beef and sheep, dairy and arable will be offered. In some cases the second day of the course will be held close to the farm which will host the afternoon visit. The second day will be held within two weeks of the first day. The course will run from approximately 10 am to 4 pm.