The Agricultural/Rural Development Officer offers support on a one-to-one basis to low income small farm holder households. The primary purpose of the support is to help improve family income and thereby safeguard the economic viability of the household.

Offered on a free and confidential basis, the service also aims to improve quality of life through better living and social conditions, while also tackling issues of social exclusion and isolation.

Every small farm household is different; therefore support is tailored to the individual needs.
To achieve this, it begins by helping to:
• Take stock of the present position.
• Resolve current issues.
• Consider options for the future – changes on the farm, re-skilling etc.
• Plan a course of action to achieve personal/family/household goals.

Information, advice and guidance provided addresses issues such as:
• Improving on-farm financial & farming efficiency.
• Obtaining maximum entitlements under Social Welfare, EU, Agricultural & other relevant schemes.
• Seeking an off-farm job.
• Developing a business idea.
• Individual or group training supports.

Where appropriate the Development Officer represents clients with other agencies & service providers to help secure benefits, rights & entitlements.

For further information or to express your interest contact: Michael Donohoe

Links to farming organisations