A local development company based in south-east Co. Limerick and north-east Co. Cork has said it will offer farm diversification training in the area.

Ballyhoura Development has announced the launch of the training programme as part of a five-year European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative called 'Farm Forward - Connecting Generations and Farming for the Future'.

The programme is co-funded by the EU and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Farmers and members of farm families across the Ballyhoura region are being invited to take part in the training programme, which the organisers said will help farm businesses strengthen income streams, explore new opportunities, and build sustainable plans for the future.

Diversification

Ballyhoura Development said that diversification has become a key strategy in developing "resilient and future-focused" farm enterprises, in light of increasing economic pressures and evolving markets.

The training programme will "equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to adapt to changing conditions while preserving their agricultural heritage", the local development company said.

The training company is set to place an emphasis on generational renewal to encourage conversations within farm families about the future direction of the farm, while "promoting innovation alongside tradition".

The course will be delivered by Tom O’Leary of O’Leary & Associates Training & Consultancy.

Ballyhoura Development said participants will gain "practical, actionable" farm diversification strategies along with financial planning guidance, market research insights, support in developing business plans, and advice on preparing for funding and grant opportunities.

Local Teagasc representatives will also attend the training sessions, contributing technical and advisory insights.

Programme

The programme will run over three upcoming evening sessions, all of which will be hosted at Ballyhoura Development offices, Coote Hall, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.

The sessions will run from 8:00p.m to 10:00p.m on each of the following dates:

Wednesday, March 18;
Wednesday, March 25;
Wednesday, April 1.

Advance registration for the training sessions are required, and participants are expected to attend all three sessions.

The events are limited to farmers in the Ballyhoura regions on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The local development company said the events are particularly relevant for farm families considering generational renewal and long-term farm sustainability, as well as those exploring new income streams from existing landholdings.

Commenting on the training programme, Carrie O'Donoghue, farm succession and generational renewal coach with Ballyhoura Development said: "By offering this training, Ballyhoura aims to support farm families to diversify, thrive, and take measures to future-proof their farm business."

"Our objective is to foster a sustainable agricultural future, and we’re delighted to offer this training opportunity alongside our support services and informative talk sessions," O'Donoghue added.