‘Course to make a difference’ at Organic Centre in Leitrim

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

Since its inception, the course has been a one-year programme, but it is now transitioning to a part-time format, with plans to extend it over two years.

“We are delighted to announce that we are now offering our certified Organic Horticulture Course on a part time basis,” said Stephen Campbell, Manager of the Organic Centre. “The course will be ideal for those wanting more flexibility and more balance between work and education.”

The Level Five QQI in Organic Horticulture based at the Organic Centre is supported by Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Educational Training Board (MSLETB) and subsidised by Intreo for those eligible.

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The Organic Centre was one of many sites around the country impacted by Storm Éowyn with a number of its tunnels being damaged. 

Such severe storms are becoming a more regular occurrence risking lives, peoples living conditions and food production.

Head gardener Aaron McGowan looks over the extent of the damage to the centre caused by Storm Éowyn

Friends of the Earth Ireland are linking extremes of weather to climate change with the incidences happening more often as fossil fuel use continues.

“While we make repairs like many others after the storm we know that organic farming is part of the solution in the context of biodiversity and climate emergencies,” said Dervilla Keegan, Communications and Policy Officer.

Storm damage from at the Organic Centre

Ms Keegan explained that in 2023, the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity called for future subsiding of organic farming and locally grown produce, emphasising the importance of sustainable food production that does not harm nature.

“There’s a lot of really positive role models in Leitrim and the expertise at the Organic Centre within the Level Five course in organic growing can really set you on your way to be part of the change that starts locally but impacts globally,” she added.

In the newly revamped course, students will now attend two days a week and are due to be taught in a variety of ways with nine modules. 

The course starts at the beginning of the growing season, which is a great advantage. 

A Biodiversity module, also sets it apart from other courses.

Other topics include Soil Science and fruit and vegetable production, organic production amongst others.

For those that complete the course there are many opportunities that await them including if considering a business in the sector.

“The Organic Centre with its iconic grass roof building is a lovely place to learn close to Manorhamilton, Sligo and the border with Northern Ireland to Enniskillen, and with the many outdoor pursuits that rural life can bring, including walking and surfing opportunities.”

The site is also now linked by a walking trail to the cascading waterfalls of Fowley's Falls. 

The Organic Centre boasts on-site activities, weekend courses, free events, and a shop.

The closing date for applications is February 10 with the course due to start in March 2024. Potential students can register through the MSLETB website. 

For more information, click here 

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