‘Life changing’ course at the Organic Centre in Leitrim

The Organic Centre in Rossinver is now taking applications for its Level 5 course in Organic Horticulture.

Nestled in the heart of rural Rossinver, the centre is famous nationally as being a pioneer charity specialising in promoting all things organic, and sustainable living for over 27 years.

Organic farming has been recognised as being more important than ever to help counteract the existing Biodiversity and climate emergencies and in order to produce food sustainably in the future.

The EU Green Deal sets a target of 25% of the EUs agricultural area to be farmed organically by 2030. However, Ireland currently is only 2% of agricultural area. With that in mind, Ireland's Programme for Government has set a target of more than tripling the organic land area by 2027 to approximately 330,000 hectares and is providing incentives to support this transition.

The one-year course Level 5 QQI in Organic Horticulture based at the Organic Centre is fully funded by Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Educational training Board (MSLETB) and can be further subsided by Intreo for those eligible.

Ingrid Foley who lectures on the course sees this as a great opportunity for the fifteen successful applicants every year.
She explains “For anyone who has an interest in Organics and horticulture the year long course at the Organic Centre is the place to be.

“We have all the facilities necessary for students to gain the full range of practical skills associated with organic food production from our beautiful orchard, field vegetables kitchen garden to our extensive range of tunnels.”

Students attend five days a week 52 weeks of the year, and are taught in a variety of ways including practical training in the garden, orchard and polytunnels, classroom sessions and demonstrations. The course starts at the beginning of the growing season. A new Biodiversity module, also sets it apart from other courses.

Pictured is Ingrid Foley, lecturer Picture: Pat Mullan

Ingrid adds “In addition to a strong emphasis on gaining practical skills on site this is balanced by a very broad range of supporting academic subjects ranging from Soil Science to Biodiversity and a lot more besides. Nine modules in total!”
For those who complete the course there are many opportunities that await them - including considering a business in the sector.

Ingrid explains “Graduates are very well equipped to start a career in Horticulture or further their experience by doing an apprenticeship, start up a business, or go on to further education.”

The Organic Centre sited in its iconic grass roof building is close to Manorhamilton, Sligo and the border with Northern Ireland to Enniskillen, with the many outdoor pursuits that rural life can bring, including walking and surfing opportunities.
Ingrid believes the course can really make a difference. As its very popular she recommends that people apply as soon as possible.

“It is a truly life changing experience!”

The closing date for applications is February 3 and potential students can apply through the MSLETB website: https://msletb.ie/further-education-and-training-fet/search-courses/?sfcw-courseId=361215