Organic Centre Ltd

The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim offers the following courses.  The Organic Centre is certified by Organic Trust Ltd.

Professional and Commercial Courses and Training in 2010

We know increased organic production can only be achieved through highly practical professional training. We also believe Community Food Projects can be gateways to production for farmers’ markets and organic school gardens can help in developing a real food culture and stimulate entrepreneurship in food production amongst our young people.

What is lacking at present is a coherent programme integrating organic studies with the curriculum and providing progression within the National Framework of Qualifications from Primary to 3rd level.

We believe the various training and education programmes run by the Organic Centre Ltd will play an increasingly significant role in the development of the sector. We very much support the government’s target of 5% of agricultural land area to be certified organic by 2012 and are also committed to supporting local farmers markets and local food production.

Commercial organic vegetable production - Starting Tuesday March 9th 2010

A new 10-day course at The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim with market gardener and lecturer Ingrid Foley.  Fee €700

The best course for the new and prospective market gardener or commercial grower and for those who wish to learn how to grow more efficiently and effectively.

Detailed information, dates and booking call Telephone: 071-9854338

Email:  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Saturday January 29th 2010 - Producing for a vegetable box scheme with Ingrid Foley

This course is aimed at growers who want to sell their produce through a local box scheme. Participants will learn how to plan and implement a scheme in their local area. The course covers:

*  Assessing land capability, crop planning, planning for continuity of supply during growing season, sourcing additional supply, harvesting , packaging & presentation, pricing, delivery system , marketing strategies.

Ingrid Foley is a market gardener and sells through a box scheme

Full day 10am – 5pm, €90pp

Friday February 12th 2010 - How to become a community gardener with Ingrid Foley

For gardeners who want to work with communities or in allotments. Basic growing skills are required. Participants will learn how to grow organically with garden groups in communities, how to impart knowledge, work with people and solve problems.

Course content: Site assessment and suitability for a community garden/allotments, principles of organic growing including soil fertility, crop planning, rotation , weed management and pest and disease control, harvesting and cooking ,seasonal calendar, gardening with a group.

Full day 10am – 5pm, €90pp

FULL TIME TRAINING IN ORGANIC HORTICULTURE 2010

Our full-time training programme is now running into its second decade and we aim to continue to deliver a broad and practically orientated course, equipping learners to gain the skills to find employment in the organic sector or to start their own business. This year’s full time, FAS sponsored L.T.I. Programme will run from February 2010 to February 2011.

It will comprise of 8 FETAC level 5 modules, blending both practical and theoretical skills. There are 5 horticultural modules: Organic Food Crops, Organic Crop Protection, Organic Soil Management, Principles of Organic Plant Growth and Organic Conversion, plus 3 general modules: Work Experience (1 month work placement), Communications, Start Your Own Business/ I.T. Skills.

Successful completion of all 8 modules and proficiency in all will lead to a FETAC award in Organic Horticulture, and can qualify to access to third level education.

Further information on course content and practicalities can be obtained by contacting the Co-ordinator at the Centre: 071-98 54338.

Applications for this course for 2010 should be addressed to FAS, Ballytivnan, Sligo, Tel: 071-91 59595

We offer more than 120 x 1-day or weekend courses in organic growing and gardening.

Please visit our website on http://www.theorganiccentre.ie

Straud
Rossinver
Co.Leitrim

Tel: 071 9854338
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Website: http://www.theorganiccentre.ie