The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) has called on Teagasc to include a module on upland farming in its Green Cert training programme.
INHFA vice-president Michael McDonnell said that the organisation has been pressing Teagasc for “some time now” to have such a module introduced.
McDonnell said that “immediate action is needed” on the issue.
“The future of upland farming is vital to the survival of those rural communities and we must ensure that those farming these lands are properly educated to carry out this vital task.
“In any sector of education there are modules that best suit what type of career path you are taking and for those students operating on our uplands it is essential that, when you take on the Green Cert qualifications, you have the option to carry out the upland farming module as part of that qualification,” McDonnell added.
He said it is “vital” that farmers are equipped with knowledge and research that will “help them make informed decisions that will benefit the agricultural output while also benefiting biodiversity”.
The INHFA is calling on the following areas to be covered in a new upland farming module:
- Herd and flock management in the uplands, with a focus on breeds that work best in terms of managing carbon and habitats;
- Research on benefits of grazing for biodiversity;
- Farm livestock management, which should also include the adoption of new technologies;
- “Climate smart” agricultural and environmental benefits of good upland management;
- Food production on uplands.
“Upland farmer education is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting our way of life,” McDonnell said.
“As these are farmed landscapes, it is vital that farmers have the knowledge to identify the right type of animal, in the right place, to carry out the right task that benefits our sustainable farming system while also benefitting our biodiversity and ecosystem services,” the INHFA vice-president added.
Green Cert placements
Last November, Teagasc published a guidebook for participants and host farmers involved in the Green Cert farm placement programme.
The 34-page booklet, Practical Learning Period: A Guide for Agricultural Learners and Hosts, was produced following an internal review carried out by Teagasc of farm placements required to attain the Green Cert.
The review involved discussions with students, host farmers, Teagasc staff, and stakeholders.
Prior to the review, a Kerry Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) county executive meeting unanimously passed a motion calling for the Green Cert farm placements to be suspended pending an investigation.