USDA Study Tours

USDA Study Tours for Community and Economic Development, 2006-2008

With grant aid from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TVRCN and Michigan State University organized four study tours focused on agricultural and natural resource based community and economic development in Co. Mayo and in Ireland.  Co. Mayo hosted the first study tour in fall 2006 and again in spring 2007.  Irish participants visited rural Michigan in two separate groups in 2007. 

The Irish participants included: Maureen Lally (TVRCN), Martin Flatley (Mayo Abbey), Alma Gallagher (Claremorris IRD), Pauline McDermott (Mayo V.E.C.), John McWalter (LEADER/RSS), Gerry Murphy (Teagasc), John Tiernan (Murrisk), Tom Carolan (LEADER/RSS), Maria Heneghan (Teagasc), Joe McDermott (Walks Inspector), Dr. Aidan O’Reilly (Ballyvary), and Sue O’Toole (LEADER).  A written book of case studies, based on these study tours, will be published in 2009.