Options Programme - About
Aims of the programme:
- To give individuals a good understanding of how to turn an idea into a viable business
- To provide a mentor for individuals on their idea and assist in the completion of a business plan
- To introduce individuals to other agencies/parties who may be able to offer tangible assistance for their specific project
What is involved?
The programme consists of a series of workshops covering a wide range of topics such as:
- A guest farmer who has successfully diversified will speak each night. Teagasc specialists will also be on hand to answer questions.
- Farm walks are an important part of the programme giving participants the opportunity to visit farms with successfully diversified farm enterprises and discuss relevant issues with experienced farmers.
The programme also incorporates networking with local agencies such as:
- Local Enterprise Office
- Local Development Companies
- Education and Training Boards
- Intreo
Workshops are free of charge but prior booking is essential. There will be a small fee for a bus to the farm walks.
Enterprises which could be supported through Options :
Renewable Energy
- Energy Crops
- Wind
- Hydro
- PV / Solar
Rural Tourism
- Angling
- Adventure tourism
- Boat Marina
- Visitor Attractions
- Camping / Glamping
- Riding schools
- Self Catering / B&B
- Rural nature tours / farm tours
Poultry
- Free Range Poultry / geese
- Organic poultry
- Free range eggs
- Duck egg production
- Turkey production
Contract Rearing
Organic Farming
Turf-Grass Production
Consultancy
Farm Contracting
Food Production
- Ice Cream manufacture
- Chutney & Relishes
- Soups
- Yoghurt
- Farmhouse Butter
The Options Programme will cover some of the following topics
- Assessing your enterprise
- Developing your idea
- Food enterprise possibilities
- Energy crops
- Forestry
- Renewables
- Organic opportunities
- Rural Tourism
- Marketing and direct selling
- A business plan - the basics
- Applying for grant aid
- Family farm finance
- Business supports
- Succession