Training

A 25 hour QQI Level 5 ‘Organic Farming Principles’ course must be completed before acceptance into the Organic Farming Scheme.

On completion of the course, participants will be proficient in:

• Interpretation of organic standards
• The principles of organic production
• Assessing economic viability and market opportunities

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25 hour Level 5 QQI Organic Farming Principles Course

This course will equip you with the knowledge, skill and competence to apply organic farming principles to the production of organic produce, to meet market requirements and approved organic standards in compliance with European Union (EU) and Irish legislation.

Register for a Level 5 Organic Farming Principles Course

Upcoming Course Dates and Locations

Killarney

23rd February | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
25th February | Teagasc Office Killarney, Co Kerry & Farm Visit | 10am – 4.30pm
2nd March | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
4th March | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
11th March | Teagasc Office Killarney, Co Kerry & Farm Visit | 9.30am – 2pm

Manorhamilton

24th February | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
25th February | Teagasc Office Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim & Farm Visit | 9.30am – 1pm
26th February | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
3rd March | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
4th March | Teagasc Office Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim & Farm Visit | 9.30am – 1pm

Tuam

24th February | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
25th February | Teagasc Office Tuam, Co Galway & Farm Visit | 9.30am – 1pm
26th February | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
3rd March | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
4th March | Teagasc Office Tuam, Co Galway & Farm Visit | 9.30am – 1pm

Gorey

23rd March | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
25th March | Teagasc Office Gorey, Co Wexford & Farm Visit | 9.30am – 1pm
30th March | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
1st April | Zoom | 10am – 1pm
8th April | Teagasc Office Gorey, Co Wexford & Farm Visit | 9.30am – 1pm

On successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Outline the origin and development of the organic movement including the diversity or organic approaches and the range of certifying bodies
• Explain the principles of organic production
• Outline the procedures involved in converting from a non-organic to an organic production system
• Describe organic soil fertility practices
• Outline general standards for organic production
• Describe weed, pest and disease control in organic crops
• Plan a production programme to organic standards in accordance with conversion principles
• Complete the documentation required for conversion to an organic production system
• Describe soil amelioration techniques with organic production
• Manage a crop using organic principles
• Outline the key aspects of an organic production plan
• Assess the economic viability and market opportunities for organic production including EU and national supports

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Express an interest in an Organic Farming Principles Course

Please fill in the form below if you wish to be placed on a waiting list for future Organic Courses. Course delivery is blended with both physical face to face and online distance learning.

QQI Module Descriptor – Organic Farming Principles (PDF)