Future-Proofing Farming Education at TUS
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has officially launched its new Market Gardening programme – Certificate in Science in Regenerative Agriculture (Level 6), in response to a wave of interest from the Irish farming community.
With 82 applications for just 45 available places, the course highlights a growing appetite among farmers to blend traditional farming with modern, sustainable business models.
The student cohort represented 13 counties, including Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, and Offaly. From “neo-farmers” entering the horticulture sector for the first time to established farmers, the course responds to the growing challenges posed by climate change, resource limitations, and environmental degradation.
What is Market Gardening? Market gardening is a small-scale, intensive production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers sold directly to local consumers and restaurants. Unlike large-scale industrial farming, it focuses on high-quality produce from smaller plots of land, making it a resilient and profitable model for aspiring farmers, neo-farmers, and current practitioners.
Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and Work-Based Learning at TUS said: “The aim of this Level 6 programme is to equip learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and entrepreneurial mindset required to engage in sustainable market gardening within the European agricultural context. Recognising the critical role of farming in supporting livelihoods and local development, this programme responds to the growing challenges posed by climate change, resource limitations, and environmental degradation. By engaging aspiring farmers, neo-farmers, and current practitioners, the programme aims to build capacity across the sector, support workforce development, and contribute to the wider adoption of regenerative agriculture. Learners are being empowered to implement innovative, locally adapted solutions that enhance food security, biodiversity, and community resilience.”
Hands-on Learning
The programme, which commenced online on February 3rd, held its first intensive in-person workshop on Saturday, February 14th, at Green Mans Garden in Conna, Co. Cork. Led by expert practitioner Roger Ahern, who is a pioneer in community-supported agriculture, the session provided students with a blueprint for establishing successful, resilient market gardens.
Students also experienced an immersive field visit to “Our Farm” at Bushy Park in Kildinan, East Cork. Launched in 2025 by John and Minna Murphy, this project is a pioneering example of a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) model based on the innovative European “Herenboeren” style of farming.
During the visit, TUS students gained first-hand experience in transforming a greenfield site into a productive garden. They explored the practicalities of installing polytunnels, crop planning, and selecting vegetable varieties that perform well both commercially and with consumers. The visit highlighted how food production can combine environmental responsibility with social value, creating meaningful employment and strengthening local food systems.
Speaking after the visit, Dr. Marie Taylor, programme coordinator at TUS, noted that the strong level of engagement demonstrated the value of experiential learning in this field: “Seeing these systems in practice helps learners understand not just how food is grown, but how environmental, economic and social goals can be achieved together. The enthusiasm and depth of discussion during the visit showed just how relevant this approach is for the next generation of food system practitioners.”
This initiative is part of the Erasmus+ funded AGRETAIN project, ensuring that TUS students are connected to the latest European innovations in sustainable food systems.
For more information, go to: https://tus.ie/courses/certificate-in-science-in-regenerative-agriculture-spa-l6-15-ects/