Economic and marketing advice is also available. Teagasc also provides a number of training courses for new entrants covering the range of management and business skills required by young people entering the industry. A wide range of shorter and more focused courses are provided to update the skills of existing producers. The interest in organic farming has increased significantly in Ireland and throughout Europe. This has been encouraged by EU Policy and by grant aid payable under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Markets exist for organically produced milk, meat, eggs and vegetables.
Producers who wish to convert to organic production should contact one of the recognised organic farming bodies and do some serious market research. Also, for an outline of the current state of organic farming in the EU and Ireland click here . Cottage Food Products Quality conscious consumers are making growing demands for speciality, variety and convenience foods and spend less time in their own kitchens. Changing lifestyles and work habits combine with increased disposable income to provide expanding opportunities for supplying quality products to the catering and retail trades. Niche food products are gaining wider market recognition and are expected to reduce market share and dominance of mass market brands.