Nearly 100 delegates gathered at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Thurles for the recent Farm Diversification Seminar, part of the EU Erasmus+ AgriNext Project. The project, which involves partners from Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and Croatia, aims to support farmers in exploring new opportunities for diversifying their operations.

Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy and Rural Development Specialist, delivered the keynote address, offering valuable insights into the critical factors for farm diversification. He also highlighted available opportunities and support systems to help farmers make informed decisions.

A key topic discussed was the role of planning permission in farm diversification. Paul Killeen, Executive Planner at Tipperary County Council, emphasized the importance of engaging with regulatory authorities and encouraged farmers to conduct pre-planning meetings, especially in light of national climate change commitments.

Tim Ryan from IFAC Nenagh provided an in-depth guide on business, marketing, and financial planning for diversification. He outlined the various support systems available and discussed business structure options, as well as tax and succession implications.

The seminar also featured a case study session moderated by Dr. Marie Taylor from the Sustainable Development Research Institute at TUS. During this session, four farmers who have successfully diversified their operations shared their experiences, challenges, and key advice. They credited agencies such as Leader, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), and Enterprise Ireland for their support. They also expressed excitement about the upcoming launch of the Business Incubator Hub for Farm Diversification, which will open at TUS Thurles in July 2025.

The case study session also focused on the recent publication of the National Biomethane Strategy in 2024. With growing interest in biomethane energy generation, David Mulcahy from the Biomethane Development Office discussed feedstock types, climate targets, emissions reductions, and financial support. A special session led by Dr. Mary Curtin from the Kemmy Business School, UL, addressed the challenges faced by women in agriculture and emphasized the need for more support and inclusion in farm diversification.

A significant takeaway from the seminar was the introduction of the Farm Diversification Business Incubator Hub. This EU-funded incubator will provide a comprehensive range of services to entrepreneurs, including idea development and market research, business and financial planning, mentoring, and peer-to-peer learning. Farmers interested in joining the incubator are invited to submit details about the stage of development of their diversification idea, the unique features of their farm, the problem their business solves, their target audience, competitive advantages, scalability, and any training resources needed.