Mr. Liam McKeever, Development Officer, ADM/CPA officially launched the MED Partnership Group Pathways to Employment Programme on Tuesday July 29th 2003 at 2pm The launch was held in the Carlton Hotel, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh. There was a large attendance of guests and members from the cross border/cross communities that MED Partnership represents. The total Project cost is EUR346,000 and will benefit farm families and rural dwellers in the communities of North Leitrim, North Sligo, South Donegal and West Fermanagh.
To enquire about courses call to our office at Donegal Road, Ballyshannon or contact Gerry Gallagher or Liam Freeburn on tel: 071 9858252 or by fax: 071 9858253 e-mail: medpartnership@eircom.net
who:
The M.E.D. Partnership is a rural development cross border, cross community group. The members of the partnership are representative of rural communities in North Leitrim, North Sligo, South Donegal and West Fermanagh. MED is named after the three waterways, Melvin, Erne and Duff that traverse the geographic area involved. The group was formed in 1999.
where:
You can find our office at;
Donegal Road, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.
tel: 071 9858252
e-mail: medpartnership@eircom.net
what:
Staff in our resource base can help you understand Peace II programmes, many of which have been developed to support the rural community.
We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Donegal Rd, Ballyshannon at 8p.m.
– We promote transparency
– We promote good practice in rural development.
– We promote social inclusion and reconciliation.
– We work closely with other statutory, voluntary and community agencies in the area.
Many farm families are now beginning to see benefits from their association with the MED group. MED deliver training programmes, which will enhance employment skills and develop confidence to pursue further training and employment opportunities.
quality:
With full decoupling due to come into operation on January 1 2005, now it seems is the time for our farmers to move from quantity to quality, if you have not already done so. Decoupling will mean a single payment not related to production, but will be linked to compliance with EU directives. Decoupling will see the premium per head disappear.
decoupling:
At a recent Farmers Journal evening with Franz Fischler in Goffs, the EU commissioner said “decoupling payments are not a means of paying farmers for doing nothing. Farmers as well as producing food, are being paid to maintain a landscape and countryside which is environmentally sound and for the public good.”
training:
Decoupling and sheep farmers
It is almost certain now that from January 1 2005, sheep will be kept for their sale value only as premia payment will disappear and no longer will a head count be taken to collect ewe premia. Profit in sheep will come from more efficient production and better quality. It is also anticipated that the sheep trade will develop a more orderly pattern and so seasonal fluctuations in price may be curtailed in future. Using your computer as aid to on-line learning On line learning means you can have access to learning in a way that suits your circumstances. Distance is no barrier, no need to leave your own home. You can learn from your own home, enabling you to upgrade your existing skills or learn a new skill.
How does on line learning work?
You can access the course materials through the internet; the courses are presented in modules and topics and you can work through the topics most relevant to your needs. Topics such as book keeping, ECommerce, Financial controls, and much more. Learn the basics of computers first through one of our courses.
To book your place :
call to our office at Donegal Road, Ballyshannon or
contact Gerry Gallagher or Liam Freeburn tel: 071 9858252
fax: 071 9858253 e-mail: medpartnership@eircom.net
Useful websites:
www.farmersjournal.ie/cap –keep up to date with the latest CAP news.
www.jobcentreonline.com
www.ruralni.gov.uk herd registration and much more.
www.community-relations.org.uk/resources/what_is_community_relations