The European Seminar on Extension and Education (ESEE) brings together research scientists, educators and advisors working in the agriculture sector for this biennial event.
It's being organised by Teagasc in collaboration with University College Dublin and CAFRE in Northern Ireland. The title of the 2021 ESEE conference is: Learning for Life. Continuous innovation support through extension and education for sustainable farm communities.
The latest research and advisory methodologies are published in a journal on topics related to agricultural extension and education. Delegates from more than 20 countries are already registered for the online event.
'Continuous innovation support through extension and education for sustainable farm communities' is the topic for the keynote address which will be delivered by professor Jim Kinsella, University College Dublin, on the first day of the event.
Among the topics to be covered during the three day event include; Digital delivery of advice and education: What have we learned from the disrupted norm?; The evolving roles of advisors and educators in supporting learning; Lifelong learning. Encouraging and facilitating continuous learning and development by rural individuals, households, and communities; Evaluation and impact assessment of Ag. Education and Innovation support models.
We plan to highlight to our international colleagues what is currently taking place in Irish farming
John Kelly, principal of Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College, says; ”we are really looking forward to hosting the ESEE conference virtually this year. We plan to highlight to our international colleagues what is currently taking place in Irish farming, give them a flavour of what happens at our college, our courses and practical learning, and let them see some of the wonderful attractions in county Cavan.”
As part of the conference, CAFRE will host two one-hour-long seminars, from their Enniskillen campus, one on Education and one on Extension, featuring professionals from Teagasc and CAFRE who work at the colleges and in local counties.
It promises to be a great showcase of future opportunities
There will also be a seminar focussing on the joint programme between Teagasc and Lakeland Dairies. A new docufilm will be launched, showcasing the beautiful countryside of West Kerry. The docufilm profiles a range of integrated research education and extension projects, pursuing an ambitious 2030 Vision for sustainability on the ground.
Chairman of the organising committee, Mark Moore says; “It promises to be a great showcase of future opportunities in the delivery methods and outcomes of both advisory and education activities in Ireland and internationally. We have had a great response in terms of papers and posters for publishing.“
There is currently a big focus on sustainable farming and food systems. Agricultural advisors and teachers are key players in helping agriculture to adapt in each country to the environmental challenges facing the sector. All farmers face a challenge to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from their enterprises, maintain and improve water quality and improve biodiversity in their local area. Agricultural advisors and teachers are well positioned to assist in better decisions and actions being taken by farmers, which are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.