Sustainable Farming Academy 2025 opens for applications
Tirlán and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur have today (Friday, April 25) opened applications for this year’s Sustainable Farming Academy.
Tirlán suppliers can submit expressions of interest to secure one of 20 places on the fully-funded course.
The programme, which is delivered in partnership with University College Cork (UCC), covers key areas such as climate, soil health, water and biodiversity.
The Sustainable Farming Academy runs from September to mid-January and is designed and delivered in line with the farming calendar.
The course, delivered through a 12-week blended format, is tailored to offer candidates time away from their studies at busy times of the year to focus on farming activity such as calving.
The course includes online evening lectures, recorded content, tutorial support, an in-person workshop at UCC, and a farm-based field trip.
Participants will complete a practical portfolio tailored to their own farming context across themes such as climate, soil, water, grassland management and biodiversity.
Suppliers graduating from the Sustainable Farming Academy will be awarded a Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Practice.
Aoife Murphy, chief ingredients officer at Tirlán, said the focus of the course subjects is "more farm-orientated than ever".
"This programme is about upskilling our farmers and supporting them to lead change for their business, for their land, and for future generations," she said.
Aisling Gorman, global sustainability marketing manager, Baileys, added that “the academy brings theory into practice".
Anne Jennings, a Sustainable Farming Academy graduate and dairy farmer in Co. Wicklow said:
"The opportunity to study has really opened my eyes and helped me to future-proof my farm by utilising soil samples, incorporating multispecies swards, and implementing new reseeding techniques.
"I’ve learned how to implement real changes on my farm, and I’m excited to continue this journey into the future."
"’From taking part in the course, I would strongly encourage farm family suppliers to participate.
"The knowledge and tools it’s given me has helped me to rethink the future of farming and I am now aiming to put in place some more sustainable and conservation efforts that will go towards future proofing my farming livelihood," she added.
