West Offaly Partnership

The Smallholder Development Service is a free and confidential service for farm families living within the West and South Offaly. West Offaly Partnership, with the support of Teagasc, provide the Smallholder Development Service for farm families whose farm household viability is under serious threat.

Services provided include:

Agricultural Advice and Information.
xx- Farm Husbandry Advice: beef, sheep, diary and tillage.
xx- Information on Schemes: REPS, forestry, farm retirement, and installation aid. Form Filling: premia forms, area aid. Quota / Grant Applications.
xx- Crossroads Programme and Teagasc Options Programme for Farm Families.
xx- Discussion group and farm information evenings
xx- Farm Connect Group: All Smallholders 60+ are invited to join this group which will involve farm discussion meetings, tours and lots more….

Income Supports and Advocacy:
Social Welfare (information, assistance with form filling and farm income appraisal), Farm Assist, Family Income Supplement, old age pensions and other entitlements, medical card applications, elder care support for disadvantaged smallholders.

Training Programmes:
Multi Skills Courses: Machine certification, Track Machine, JCB, Forklift, Safe Pass, Welding, Floor/Wall Tiler etc. Business Development Programme, career path planning,
Childcare, Care in the Home training Programme, Computers, Telephone Techniques and Communications.

- Back To Education Initiative:
Any Smallholder in receipt of a social welfare payment maybe eligible for FREE training under the BTEI which provides FETAC certified courses. If you are interested in a training course contact the service to check If the available in your area.

- Employment Opportunities:
OAK Employment Service, alternative enterprises on farm, Jobs Club, farm relief services, Rural Social Scheme/Community Employment Scheme.

Crossroads Programme for farm families planned for Kilcormac in September 2007. Delivered by Offaly Smallholder Service and Teagasc. Excellent programme aimed at breaking down barriors, tackling issues and concerns within the farm household and planning for the future.

Farm Connect Group/Farm Tour May 2007
Farmers 60+ are invited on the first farm tour organised by the service since starting in 1997. We intend to viist Lullymore Heritage centre in Kildare and Working Mill also.

Multi Skills Training:
The service intends to organise various traiing courses that are required by Smallholders to obtain employment. Individuals in receipt of Farm Assist or participating on the Rural Social Scheme are eligible.

For further information regarding the Smallholder Service contact:

Brian Lyons
Smallholder Development Worker
C/o West Offaly Partnership
Crank House
Banagher
Tel: 057 91 51622
Mobile: 086 8336873
Email: BLyons@westoffalypartnership.ie

Office Consultations Tuesday and Wednesday and other days by Appointment.


	ONTACT USVACANCIESNEW COURSES
		The Smallholder Development Service is a free and confidential service for farm families living within the West and South Offaly. West Offaly Partnership, with the support of Teagasc, provide the Smallholder Development Service for farm families whose farm household viability is under serious threat. Services provided include: Agricultural Advice and Information. xx- Farm Husbandry Advice: beef, sheep, diary and tillage. xx- Information on Schemes: REPS, forestry, farm retirement, and installation aid. Form Filling: premia forms, area aid. Quota / Grant Applications. xx- Crossroads Programme and Teagasc Options Programme for Farm Families. xx- Discussion group and farm information evenings xx- Farm Connect Group: All Smallholders 60+ are invited to join this group which will involve farm discussion meetings, tours and lots more…. Income Supports and Advocacy: Social Welfare (information, assistance with form filling and farm income appraisal), Farm Assist, Family Income Supplement, old age pensions and other entitlements, medical card applications, elder care support for disadvantaged smallholders. Training Programmes: Multi Skills Courses: Machine certification, Track Machine, JCB, Forklift, Safe Pass, Welding, Floor/Wall Tiler etc. Business Development Programme, career path planning, Childcare, Care in the Home training Programme, Computers, Telephone Techniques and Communications. - Back To Education Initiative: Any Smallholder in receipt of a social welfare payment maybe eligible for FREE training under the BTEI which provides FETAC certified courses. If you are interested in a training course contact the service to check If the available in your area. - Employment Opportunities: OAK Employment Service, alternative enterprises on farm, Jobs Club, farm relief services, Rural Social Scheme/Community Employment Scheme. Crossroads Programme for farm families planned for Kilcormac in September 2007. Delivered by Offaly Smallholder Service and Teagasc. Excellent programme aimed at breaking down barriors, tackling issues and concerns within the farm household and planning for the future. Farm Connect Group/Farm Tour May 2007 Farmers 60+ are invited on the first farm tour organised by the service since starting in 1997. We intend to viist Lullymore Heritage centre in Kildare and Working Mill also. Multi Skills Training: The service intends to organise various traiing courses that are required by Smallholders to obtain employment. Individuals in receipt of Farm Assist or participating on the Rural Social Scheme are eligible. For further information regarding the Smallholder Service contact: Brian Lyons Smallholder Development Worker C/o West Offaly Partnership Crank House Banagher Tel: 057 91 51622 Mobile: 086 8336873 Email: BLyons@westoffalypartnership.ie Office Consultations Tuesday and Wednesday and other days by Appointment.

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