Teagasc supporting farmers during the COVID19 pandemic
GER Shortle, Teagasc Regional Manager has a message for farmer – “We are open for business and the staff are ready to help farmers to get through this difficult time. Advisers are operating ‘virtual offices’ to cope with the current restrictions and deliver a service that matches what has been delivered in previous years.”
Teagasc is keeping its service going through the pandemic by following a plan to protect their clients, staff and the public, based on the advice of the HSE. All Teagasc staff are now working remotely and using every electronic and digital means to stay in contact and support farmers.
Basic Payments Scheme (BPS) - All BPS consultations with clients will be done over the phone. Teagasc will contact all their clients in the coming weeks, if they have not already done so, to arrange a phone consultation for their BPS application. Since these consultations will be done over the phone it’s important that clients have their DAFM BPS pack ready at the arranged time and have familiarised themselves with the contents.
Consultations/Discussion Groups – advisers can’t do farm visits but they are dealing with all queries by phone. Farmers and advisers are using pictures sent by phone to help each other understand the issues that need to be sorted such as BPS MAPS, crop husbandry or grazing management decisions etc. On-farm Teagasc farmer discussion group meetings are being replaced with shorter phone meetings between Discussion Groups and their advisor.
Education Courses/Events - Teagasc is arranging that online channels will be used for guidance for self-study of theory elements of courses and students will be supported over the phone by staff. All Teagasc public events have been postponed until further notice so digital communication methods are being used to maintain the transfer of information and knowledge to farmers and students.
Ger Shortle’s message to farmers is, ‘Don’t hesitate to contact us, whatever the issue - we’re ready and willing to listen and help you through this challenging time.’