Sustainable Farming Academy 2026 applications now open

Five Years of Education Success as Sustainable Farming Academy Re-opens for Applications

Tirlán and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur’s Sustainable Farming Academy is celebrating its fifth anniversary of building knowledge capacity within the farming community by inviting Tirlán Co-op Members to invest in themselves and apply for a fully funded Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Practices, delivered by University College Cork (UCC).

The Sustainable Farming Academy, a collaboration between Tirlán Co-op and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, supports farm families in taking positive on-farm environmental and management actions. The Academy provides up-to-date knowledge to enhance on-farm productivity and sustainability.

Tirlán, Aoife Murphy, said, “Since we established the Sustainable Farming Academy partnership with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, 60 Tirlán Co-op farm family suppliers have graduated from UCC, with a further 20 completing their education this year. In addition, 15 education bursaries have been awarded to Tirlán Co-op family members who have commenced third-level studies. Three successful Scholars Events have also been hosted, ensuring we continue to empower our Co-op Members with the knowledge needed to improve both on-farm economic and environmental performance.”

Aisling Gorman, Global Sustainability Marketing Manager, Baileys, added by saying,“Through the Sustainable Farming Academy, we demonstrate our passionate commitment to supporting farmers on their sustainability journey. The Academy equips future generations with the knowledge and skills to progress sustainable farming even further, and we are delighted to partner with Tirlán and its Co-op Members on this successful initiative.”

Academy graduate and Tirlán Co-op Member Brigid Carroll, from Ballycanew, Co. Wexford, described her participation in the Sustainable Farming Academy as “worthwhile and empowering”.

Brigid said, “The course is mostly online, and I was able to fit it in well alongside family life and the farm. Completing the course has given me the knowledge to make changes on our farm in areas such as fertiliser use, grassland management, energy use and animal care. These improvements will enhance both the economic and environmental performance of our family farm. Every Tirlán Co-op Member should definitely consider taking part.”

Tirlán Co-op Members interested in completing the fully funded Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Practices are asked to submit their Expression of Interest by 30 June 2026.

Apply here:  Sustainable Farming Academy | Expression of Interest 2026 – Fill out form
Learn more: bit.ly/49GVKMD

First Published: 29 April 2026