Limerick agricultural college reveals plans to go organic

SALESIAN Agricultural College’s proposed conversion of their beef and sheep farm to organic was officially launched in Pallaskenry this Thursday.

The state-of-the-art ag college has taken another step in giving the farmers of tomorrow as much experience as possible on their educational journey.

Derek O'Donoghue, principal of Salesian Agricultural College, said they look forward to operating an organic drystock farm which "further embeds our commitment to sustainable farming methods". 

"We currently deliver the Level 5 Organic Farming Module, and now students will be able to see the practical application of organic farming methods on the college farm.

"Working with the Teagasc Organic Team, the learnings from our organic drystock farm will be made available to the wider farming community," said Mr O'Donoghue.

Minster for State at the Department of Agriculture Pippa Hackett, who officially launched the organic conversion proposal, said Salesian College has a strong reputation as a provider of quality agricultural courses.

"I am delighted to see the college taking the lead and switching to organic farming for their drystock enterprises.

"There is a growing demand for more sustainable methods of farming and education has a key role in making agriculture more resilient in Ireland and protecting our farm families," said Ms Hackett.

The Government has a target of having 10,000 organic farms by 2030, so there will be an increasing population of young farmers that will require an agricultural education with a strong emphasis on organic farming.

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Dr Stan Lalor, director of knowledge transfer in Teagasc said conversion of the drystock enterprise to an organic system offers Salesian Agricultural College the opportunity to offer their students with a learning experiences that will demonstrate an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable farming system.

"The Salesian Agricultural College will lead the way among Irish colleges. There will be key learnings from this system of production that will be applicable to all students," said Dr Lalor.

The case for the conversion of the drystock enterprise was prepared in March and the conversion process has already commenced with the sowing of red clover swards for silage taking place in April.