LOCATED in Dromcollogher, The Organic College will host an open evening this Thursday as part of National Organic Week events. Exciting events will be held around the country showcasing the best in organic food products, food growing and information for those interested in becoming organically certified. At an t’lonad Glas, teaching staff have been working for over 20 years bringing the good news about the benefits of organics to students and the public.
“People are beginning to care more about their food, where it comes from and how it is produced and are looking to the organic movement as the fastest growing sector of agri-foods at present”, says educational director Jim McNamara.
The college has seen a big increase for the demand in places in recent years, which shows more and more people are growing organically and sourcing local, organic food.
The open evening will include-
5.00.p.m Tours of the gardens including the tree nursery, flowers, herbs and field-scale vegetables, a newly established plant evolution area, pollytunnels, a poultry unit and beehives.
6.30.pm Tasting of local seasonal produce.
7.30.pm Launch of the College Garden Shop – “An Siopa Glas”.
8.00.pm Brief presentations on related topics.
Talks will also take place on harvesting and gardening as well as the steps to go through to have your land organically certified. This year’s organic week comes at a time when communities are facing closure of many long established facilities including banks, businesses and even some garda stations. The focus is therefore on organics in the community and the college is glad to be launching its on-site gardening shop as well as continuing with the weekly market in the square on Fridays.
A small number of student places still remain for the courses starting in mid September.
At the Organic College in Dromcollogher, you can gain the practical skills you need to be part of the organic local food revolution. You can learn:
• How to grow delicious vegetables, fruit and herbs organically
• The best organic ways to maximise the fertility of your soil
• Skills to help you develop commercial outlets for your organic produce
• Practical sustainability skills to improve your local and global environment.
For more information and application forms contact An t’lonad Glas (063) 83604
www.organiccollege.com
