Farmers and rural dwellers urged to look at broadening horizons

A SEMINAR called Expand Your Horizons 2017, at the Parkway Hotel in Dunmanway next Wednesday, should be of interest to West Cork farmers and rural dwellers.

Teagasc and the National Rural Network (NRN) are jointly organising an innovative series of 27 evening seminars across the country, running from the end of January to March. The purpose of the seminars is to provide information on the range of agencies, services and funding and training opportunities available in rural Ireland.  The Expand Your Horizons events will provide relevant information to rural dwellers who wish to explore new possibilities for improved economic and social development for their own lives and for the betterment of their communities. 

The Dunmanway seminar, from 8 to 10pm on Wednesday 25th, will be preceded by an exhibition and workshop with many agencies having stands and personnel available to meet attendees from 7.15pm.

Teagasc and the NRN believe that a diverse and energetic farming industry will provide a sustainable rural environment for future generations. Farmers want to do much more than survive. They want to thrive.  

Farm resilience is about equipping the Irish farm family to absorb and recover from shocks and stresses to their agricultural production and livelihoods. By expanding one’s horizons one will broaden one’s outlook on life and its possibilities. 

Prospective attendees are asked to consider: Have you considered setting up a tourism or food business? Are you aware of all the available benefits and supports for farm families? Would you be interested in learning a new skill? 

If you, or members of your family are looking to ‘Expand your Horizons,’ explore on- or off-farm business possibilities, re-train or up-skill for a new form of employment, or explore what funding is available via the LEADER Programme or Rural Development Programme, join Teagasc and the NRN as they explore what your area has to offer. 

Participating stakeholder agencies  including Local Action Groups, Local Enterprise Offices, Citizens Information, Mental Health Ireland, Money and Advice Bureaux, Education and Training Boards, Fáilte Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland, will be on hand to provide a flavour of the opportunities they offer and the role they play in improving the viability of rural areas. 

•     For more information about the seminars, contact Billy Kelleher of Teagasc Cork West ([email protected] 087-2434236), or the Teagasc national co-ordinator, Barry Caslin ([email protected]) or James Claffey ([email protected]).