Organic Matters: Recent Episodes
Irish Organic Association
Organic Matters Podcast is brought to you every Saturday by the Irish Organic Association. Our host Hannah Quinn-Mulligan will expertly guide you through each episode as we meet organic farmers and food producers from all over Ireland. We have been certifying organic farms and businesses for 40 years and we bring you a flavour of why organic matters now more than ever. Meet some of our fantastic members discussing how organic is central to their business. Tune in every Saturday at 12 noon.
This week on the Organic Matters Podcast, we speak to farmer Brian Meredith based in Co. Laois, who runs a spring and autumn organic suckler-to-beef herd with his father. He discusses coming home to farm, the transition to organics and re-integrating tillage back onto the farm to diversify the business and increase feed autonomy.Brian talks about breeding Angus and Hereford cattle as they finish well off grass, learning to grow their own grain to feed younger stock and their experience with preventative health management in the herd.He also looks ahead to the future of the farm and tells listeners about the farm’s involvement in an initiative commissioned by the Irish Organic Association to map all the different habitats and estimate the carbon storage and sequestration potential on the farm using LiDAR technology
This week on the Organic Matters Podcast, we speak with Mary Lynch, an independent organic advisor and ACA member who also runs a mixed suckler beef and tillage farm with her husband in Co. Tipperary. Mary reflects on how organic farmers are currently dealing with dry conditions and the value of incorporating red clover and multi-species varieties into grasslands, where appropriate, to support more climate resilience on farm. She touches on the fact that drought conditions still come with their own challenges when it comes to re-seeding or stitching as well as maintaining a good sward over this period.Elsewhere, Mary talks about ongoing trials on ‘living mulches’ that they are undertaking and the results so far. This involves an oat crop being directly sown into a multi-annual cover of small leaf white clover with the aim of stimulating soil biology and assisting with weed suppression. She also shares her own experience on how the family farm finishes cattle on grass, capitalising on grass-clover ley in their arable rotation.
This week's Organic Matters Podcast meets organic suckler farmer Pat McCarthy who is farming in the Burren. His children are the ninth generation on their family farm in Co. Clare where they have over 300 acres of land, which includes a substantial amount of winterage as well as summer-grazing ground. Pat tends to breed a mixture of Angus and Shorthorn crosses, which he finds work well with his land. He has also put his building skills to work over the years, renovating old stone sheds into cottages on the farm to create a thriving business using Airbnb. The agri-tourism business has been successful in capitalising on the nearby Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail, with tourists from around the world interested in staying on a working organic farm.
This week, farmer Pat Maher talks to the Organic Matters Podcast about his journey from being a dairy farmer with a nitrates derogation to an organic suckler farmer. Based on the edge of the Golden Vale near Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Pat hasn’t looked back since converting to organics. He speaks to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about establishing a new suckler herd, trialling clover and multi-species mixes, understanding what weeds are indicating, and learning more about composting and soil biology.
This week, we are launching Season 5 of the Organic Matters Podcast brought to you by the Irish Organic Association. In this first episode, we are delighted to speak with organic beef farmer Ruth Young, based in Co. Laois, about her transition from conventional to organic production. Ruth talks about developing relationships with other organic farmers and the expansion of organic marts for purchasing her finishing stock, building new winter housing and improving her soil management by optimising grazing practices.
In the final episode of Season 4 of the Organic Matters Podcast, we meet organic farmers Aoife Gibney and Eamon Campbell on their beef and tillage farm in Co. Meath. The couple are recent converts to organics, becoming full-symbol organic this year. Aiofe and Eamon calve in both the Autumn and the Spring and artificially inseminate their heifers, with a mixture of Sailor, Limousine, Charolais and the odd bit of Angus, making up the herd. They talk about converting their housing to meet the organic spacing requirements, with a combination of slatted and straw-bedded areas.They also speak about some of the reasons they made the move and their experience going organic in recent years, which they have found very stimulating and a new challenge. This has included growing red clover and whole-crop silage for their cattle, as well as outwintering cattle on kale. Typically, cattle have been sold into the local marts, with Aoife and Eamon weighing up different options for the future.
In this week's episode, we meet organic farmer and entrepreneur Richard Ball, farming on the Meath/Westmeath border. Richard and his wife Bairbre switched from lambing a few hundred ewes to a more diversified operation, including agri-tourism, organic beef boxes, more recently oats.Richard talks about the important role the farm plays in supporting his tourism business, Johnsfort, with the Balls hosting farm stays and a range of tours across the island. This includes local tours tapping into what the Boyne Valley and Ireland's Hidden Hearts have to offer. He also touches on his experience reintroducing tillage back onto the farm, producing oats and his herd of Dexters, Angus and Shorthorn cattle, with meat sold direct to consumers, as well as a small herd of Highland cattle.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet mixed farmers John and Fiona Curran in Co. Meath. The Currans manage a range of enterprises, including turkeys, tillage, beef and sheep. Fiona speaks to our presenter, Hannah Quinn-Mulligan, about raising turkeys for the Christmas market, while John talks through the ins and outs of the tillage, cattle and sheep enterprises. The Curran’s are currently growing winter barley, sold as animal feed and milling oats, which are sold to Flahavan’s. The tillage is complemented by suckler-to-beef and lamb enterprises, with the majority of cattle raised to beef and sold to The Good Herdsmen, while the lambs are processed organically by Irish Country Meats.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet cattle and sheep farmer Tom Keane, located on the banks of the Shannon estuary, Co. Limerick. Tom, along with his brother Michael, has been championing native breeds and conservation grazing, and he speaks about how they complement his organic farm.Tom talks about his native Irish Droimeann breeds and how his farming system supports animal health and nature protection. He also keeps Galway pedigree sheep as well as Shropshire and Shetland breeds, with the wool fully utilised for bespoke products.The farm is located in a protected area and part of the Great Grassland Trails of Ireland, and Tom touches on the range of birdlife and wild plants, such as the bee orchid and hairy violet, present on his limestone grasslands.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet Philip and Eleanor Cussen, who farm in Co. Tipperary. They blend their love for nature and Irish Cobs, with growing tillage and rearing suckler cattle. They talk about the conversion of the farm over 10 years ago, re-establishing a suckler herd and dipping their toes into organic tillage, producing milling oats, which has become an important element of their enterprise.The Cussens touch on the importance of cooperating and learning from other organic farmers, and how Eleanor’s passion for the Irish cob horse breed is an integral part of their farming story. They also speak about how they have developed a greater appreciation for the wide range of biodiversity on the farm.
This week on Organic Matters, tillage and beef farmer Reuben Cope, based in County Kilkenny, speaks to Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about converting to organic farming and taking the plunge as a first-time tillage farmer. He talks about the crops he now grows, including red clover, a range of cover crops, intercrops of barley and peas for animal feed, wheat for flour, and milling oats, touching on yields, sowing dates and more.Rueben also discusses selling wheat directly to produce flour, highlighting the value of heritage wheat varieties and the growing demand for high-quality organic wheat from artisan bakers. Much of the bread and pastries made with his flour can be purchased locally, as well as in his own seasonal farm shop, which also features his own beef and organic vegetables, many sourced from a local organic vegetable grower.
This week on the Organic Matters Podcast Joe Nolan, a relatively recent convert to organics, speaks to Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about downsizing from 1,000 sheep and reintroducing tillage on his family farm in Carlow. He says the economics of the farm have never been better since switching to organics and upscaling the organic tillage side of his business. He grows a range of crops, including red clover, milling oats, oat seed and intercrops of cereals and pulses for animal feed. Joe has also introduced Easycare sheep into his mixed-breed flock, a self-shedding breed that does not require shearing, and speaks about the benefits of the breed and his experience so far.
This week, Organic Matters meets third-generation suckler farmer Padraic O'Donnell, based in South Galway.After returning home from the UK to take over his family farm, he converted to organics in 2021. Padraic has focused on improving the genetics of his herd by learning how to do his own artificial insemination (AI), experimenting with introducing new breeds into his existing stock of mainly Limousins and Simmentals.He speaks about the different kinds of grassland on his farm, including pastures for grazing and silage, callows (seasonally flooded, semi-natural grassland), which he sees as great for summer grazing, and rocky areas that help to extend the grazing season. Padraic has also started selling his own meat directly to customers, processing the meat locally, and shares why he thinks it's important to keep small abattoirs alive.
This week, Organic Matters meets Blátnaid Gallagher, an organic sheep farmer in East Galway who has been championing the native Galway sheep breed for meat and wool. She's spearheaded the creation of the Galway Wool Co-op in an era when the number of sheep farmers is dwindling. She talks about building a renaissance in Irish wool by focusing on the need for better processing and putting farmers back at the heart of the story of Irish wool. This includes a recent collaboration between the Galway Wool Co-op and Avoca to develop different kinds of products. Blátnaid also speaks about how she and her husband took on the farm and converted to organics, the importance of hay meadow conservation for nature and animal feed, as well as her passion for social farming, working with people with intellectual disabilities.
In this episode of Organic Matters, host Hannah Quinn-Mulligan interviews Pat O'Sullivan, the CEO of gourmet catering company Master Chefs in Limerick. Pat discusses buying 20 acres of land to establish Ellan farm and grow organic vegetables for his catering business, and talks about his plans for the future, creating his own on-site processing facilities on the farm and connecting his chefs with food production. He also speaks about a bio district that is currently being established in the Mid West. Pat considers that this initiative is not only of value to his business, in order to buy more local organic produce, but also for the wider community of organic producers, as well as the tourism and hospitality sector in the area.
In this episode, we meet Fergal Smith of Moy Hill Farm, who has a mixed organic farming system including eggs, vegetables and a suckler beef system. Fergal discusses direct selling at farmers markets, to restaurants and shops, as well as a box scheme based on a community-supported agriculture – CSA model. He also speaks about the challenges that he faces as a farmer and his love for the Dexter breed of cattle, outlining why he thinks they are perfect for an organic suckler system. He talks about the story so far, including his experience with soil management and the opportunities open to other farmers.
In this episode, we meet Patrick Davoren, who is based in Carron in Co Clare, in the heart of the Burren. Patrick outlines his reasons for going organic, including the financial incentives and how he makes use of the famous Burren winterage. He speaks to Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about overcoming the recent storm damage and the impact that it has had on the farm, as well as his experience with producing red clover for silage on his improved grassland area for animal feed, and getting his nutrient management right.
This week suckler farmer and beef finisher Donagh O'Grady speaks to Organic Matters from his farm in Limerick. Donagh discusses finishing beef cattle in an organic system, the benefits of sharing machinery with other farmers, as well as different things he has tried over the years. In recent times, Donagh has bought a woodchipper to create his own woodchip for organic animal bedding and is also producing apples and processing them into juice sold locally. He also looks ahead to the future plans for the farm and the need to diversify the farm business.
In the first episode of Season 4, we meet Mitch Corbett and Harry Badrick at the Hometree charity near Ennistymon in Co. Clare. The pair are part of a team that organically grows native Irish trees from seedlings and works with farmers and landowners to create native Irish forests. They discuss the many benefits that trees can provide to farmland and biodiversity
This week on Organic Matters, we meet Andrea and Markus Miley who have developed an organic oil and spices business based in Portarlington, Co. Laois called ÍON Oil and Spices. Originally the pair were involved in the timber business but over time have changed tack and today run a shop, and online business as well as taking their products to farmers' markets and shops. This year the company won Taste Awards for their Hazelnut, Poppy Seed and Walnut Oils.They talk about how they established the business, the range of oils and spices they produce and plans for the future.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet brothers Charlie and Dan Hogan, and Dan's partner Una Wycherley who all run Larkin's Hill Farm together on the outskirts of Nenagh in Co Tipperary. They sell salad and vegetables to local retailers, and in addition to managing a suckler herd, they have more recently started growing and selling combi crops as animal feed to meet growing demand from organic livestock farmers. They talk about their experiences with the different farm enterprises and their complementarity as well as plans for the future, which include finishing cattle, incorporating trees onto the farm and further developing market outlets for their horticulture.
In the final episode of Season 3 of the Organic Matters Podcast, we meet Dolores and Joe Gorman from Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms in Co. Offaly. The pair were in the mushroom business for almost 30 years exporting to the UK but had to close when Brexit hit due to the fluctuation in sterling. After a two-year break, they were back in business having diversified into organic exotic mushrooms. They now produce 7 different varieties of organic exotic mushrooms for Irish retailers and food service and recently they won a National Organic Award for their shiitake and white beech mushrooms range in the New and Innovative Product category. Joe and Dolores talk about their transition to organics and how they have carved out a niche for themselves in the exotic mushroom business. Learn more at: https://garryhinchmushrooms.ie
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Charles Harold Barry and his wife Catherine who produce organic beef and lamb. They farm in north Cork and keep Angus cattle using a mob system. They also have sheep and use EasyCare rams to breed lambs that do not need shearing, with the stock seen as an important part of the farm’s grassland management. They have stopped making silage and focus on keeping enough grass around the farm to have all livestock out all year round. Hay is used to supplement grass for the cattle in the winter, with Charles using a bale unroller machine rather than a round feeder for better feed utilisation, and to prevent damage to the ground and ensure faster grass regeneration. Charles talks to our presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about his experience with his grazing approach. including the impact he feels it has had on animal health and welfare.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Marian Clarke from Doon Social Farm part of Ballyhoura Rural Services based in County Limerick. As well as catering to the local community and several groups who may be vulnerable or have special needs, the farm runs a shop, café and a thriving organic egg and veg business.Everything produced on the farm is sold into the local community and neighbouring areas with salads, potatoes and eggs under the ‘Happy Hen Eggs’ brand best sellers.Marian walks presenter Hannah through their different initiatives, from setting up a café for the local community and the farm itself to working with different groups and individuals as a social enterprise as well as their plans for the future.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet suckler and tillage farmer Jim Stafford. Jim breeds Aubrac cattle, which originally hail from France, alongside his suckler herd. He breeds them both for pedigree breeding purposes and for organic beef and achieves excellent carcase weights.He also grows combi-crops of cereal and pulses for animal feed as well as oats for Flavahans.Jim talks about the importance of maintaining soil health and fertility on his farm with a strong focus on soil sampling and keeping a keen eye on his soil's trace elements.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet Steve Collins who farms in West Cork. Having returned from overseas after working on development projects for several years, Steve and his wife Claire purchased a farm in a scenic, but rocky area of the county. Passionate about producing high-quality, nutritious food, Steve and his family now focus a lot on growing both blueberries and aronia berries, including producing an aronia berry juice.As demand is strong, Steve is collaborating with another organic family farm in Poland as well as engaging with other local Irish organic farmers to increase the continuity of supply.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet Tony Murphy. Situated in the centre of Cork county, he farms Angus cattle and Beltex sheep as well as tillage. When we meet, Tony is harvesting arable silage. He breaks down exactly how he makes arable silage, which is usually sowed from the 1st of June and mowed in just 14 to 16 weeks later, touching on seed mixtures, ploughing depth, and fertilisation.Tony also speaks about other issues including animal husbandry, the importance of soil health and much more.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to suckler, sheep and tillage farmer Angus Woods. Angus began the conversion of his farm in January 2024 having experimented with some organic practices in recent years to help futureproof the business.He talks about the different reasons why he decided to convert to organic and the measures he's taking in his first year of organic conversion to meet organic standards.
This week on Organic Matters, we visit the farm of John and Marcella Mallick near Tinahely in Co. Wicklow. They have been organic farming since 2011 and as well as running a suckler and sheep enterprise with Galloway cattle, and Scotch sheep cross with Texels, they also grow organic barley for Waterford Distillery to brew into whiskey.They talk about their experience farming organically over the past 10 years or more from modifying animal housing to organic crop management.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet Brian McCarthy from Cork Rooftop Farm. With a background in the wholesale flower business, Brian started experimenting with vegetable growing during the pandemic on a small rooftop space and has now taken on a long-term lease on a former 60-acre dairy farm growing vegetables organically just outside Cork city.Now in his first year of organic conversion, he talks about his keen interest in building a business that grows organic vegetables at scale, selling into a range of different markets from direct sales to supplying into supermarkets and supporting local employment.Brian also speaks to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about the steep learning curve of engaging in organic vegetable production from dealing with soil type and difficult field conditions this season to operating a solar-powered seeder and weeder as well as his plans for the future.
This week on Organic Matters we speak to David Sexton of Kildare Farm Foods. David and his wife Susan have been building their farm business near Kildare town since 1996. In recent years they have started to convert to organic farming and now sell a wide range of their own organic farm produce in their farm shop. The business also offers a range of recreational activities alongside the farm shop and a restaurant, attracting over 150,000 visitors each year.David talks about their experience developing the range of organic produce available for sale in the farm shop and restaurant as well as their future plans and aspirations.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to husband and wife team, Dominic Leonard and Alison Duck, who farm 250ac near Durrow in Co Laois.They run a mixed enterprise including tillage and livestock. Dominic explains the farming system and why he thinks sheep are an important part of the arsenal organic farmers have when it comes to managing land. They speak about getting LEADER funding to open a farm shop and tearooms to sell their organic meat directly from their farm. They share their experiences, including the challenges of running a micro-business, and why after eight years, they decided to close it. Produce from the farm is now sold at their local farmers market in Abbeyleix every Saturday.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Kate Milligan the Commercial Director at Airfield Estate. The farm is 38 acres and sits next to Ireland's largest shopping centre, Dundrum, in the capital city Dublin. With its 2-acre food garden certified organic, it is currently converting its farm to organic production, which includes a mix of enterprises including a milking jersey herd and laying hens. As part of its remit, it supports both educational and recreational activities, hosting up to 11,000 children each year, as well as running other outreach such as corporate events, weddings and the very popular FarmerTime programme. Kate speaks to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about the work they do and their future plans.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet vegetable grower and farm shop and café owner Michael Foggarty. Michael originally hails from Scotland but has long harboured a love for growing vegetables. In 2022, he took on a 5-acre plot of land in Beechpark, Clonsilla, Co Dublin and since then has been working to maximise the output from his vegetables selling to restaurants as well as direct sales, alongside building up a farm shop and café on site.He talks about the wide range of organic produce grown on the farm and the importance of soil health and working with nature.
This week, we meet Sligo based suckler farmer Niall Higgins. Niall farms in partnership with his father. They keep a herd of 25 suckler cows and sell young animals at the weanling and yearling stage at their local organic mart.He talks about how straight forward the switch has been, stock and grassland management in organics and why preventative health management has saved them time and money.
This week, we catch up with tillage and beef farmer Derek Kelly. Derek is running a trial growing lupins - a potentially important protein crop for the Irish organic market. Ground conditions have delayed planting but Derek explains how he got them eventually into the ground.He speaks about varieties, ground preparation, seeding rates, and mitigating weed burden as well as touching on his experience with other crops on the farm and his finishing cattle.
This week, Organic Matters meets James and Zeta O'Keeffe on their organic tillage farm in Co Meath. Zeta recently completed a course that has lead the couple to try growing organic gluten free oats for the first time. They also grow miscanthus for animal bedding, a range of crops for organic animal feed and have installed a large solar panel system.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Helen Hughes who farms in Co Meath with her husband and mother. Helen works off farm in the building sector but runs the family suckler farm and has recently switched to organics. She speaks about why she made the switch and what the conversion process has been like. She also discusses management decisions such as changing to a Hereford stock bull and her plans to incorporate clover in the swards.
This week on Organic Matters, we meet Monaghan farmer Gordon McCoy. Gordon farms on the border and was originally a carpenter by trade but wanted to return full-time to the farm. He considered organic dairy but decided to pursue organic egg production and now manages over 10,000 organic laying hens. He talks about the use of organic feed, and spacious housing for the hens when they are not outside as well as some of the opportunities and challenges of organic egg production. Gordon also touches on other enterprises on the farm including organic cereals and beef and sheep.
This week on Organic Matters, we hear from Monaghan farmer Turlough Keenan. Turlough was previously a beef farmer but transitioned to organic tillage. Since then, he has been on a journey to create his own on-farm mill to produce flour from a range of heritage wheat varieties for artisan bakeries.He speaks to Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about the story so far including his experience of organic tillage, the ins and outs of milling grain and the opportunities open to other farmers.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to organic farmer Gerry Deegan from Co. Westmeath. Previously an organic dairy farmer, Gerry changed his system to forestry and beef some years ago. During the transition, he became obsessed with manure and even had a custom-built machine made to turn farmyard manure into compost. He speaks about the importance of high-quality manure on a farm.
Kicking off the first episode of Season 3 of our Organic Matters podcast, we speak to organic tillage and beef farmer Derek Kelly. Derek discusses growing several different crops, including rye and, wheat and peas in combination, as well as finishing organic cattle. He also shares his plans to try growing lupins as an organic protein crop to feed his cattle.
In the final instalment of Organic Matters for this season, we speak to Cork organic farmer Conor Sheahan. Conor talks about the tough decision to stop dairy farming in 2018 and focus on maximising profit from the beef side of his business. This involved switching to organic and putting more emphasis on direct selling of Wagyu beef. The Wagyu is a breed that originally hails from Japan but Conor has made a market out of breeding, rearing and selling Wagyu beef directly to customers.The Irish Organic Association would like to thank all our listeners for tuning into the Organic Matters podcast this season. We hope to be back soon with more engaging episodes in the new year.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Emer Fahy and Niall Moynihan from Duhallow Organics who sell all their organic meat directly nationwide. Dexter calves are born on the farm, with Emer and Niall working closely with neighbouring organic farms to rear and finish their animals off grass.As well as the organic Dexters, the couple are currently trying to relaunch their organic poultry business and renovate an old property. They speak to our presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about the ups and downs of their organic business.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Dublin based Bread 41 co-owner Eoin Cluskey. Eoin started life as a carpenter but gradually returned to his true love of baking. After spending some time at Ballymaloe Cookery School, he developed a strong sense of the value of good food produced locally. He took these ideas and moulded them into the successful Bread 41 business today where they utilise organic flour and source from as many Irish farmers as possible.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to sheep farmer Selena McKenzie. Selena farms with her husband Alex in Co. Wicklow where they lamb up to 300 ewes every year, which are sold organically at a premium.Selena speaks about the ins and outs of raising sheep from breed selection and herd health to nutrient management and fattening lambs.The farm also has two Shepherd's Huts which the McKenzies rent out. Selena says that they can generate up to 20% of their overall farm income and that having visitors helps to remind them of the beauty of the place where they live.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to the Bord Bia's Organic Sector Manager, Emmet Doyle. Emmet speaks about its plans for promoting Irish organic products both at home and abroad. He explains how Bord Bia are seeking to position the range of Irish organic produce, from beef and lamb to dairy and aquaculture, as premium products to international trade buyers. With November marking the launch of Ireland’s first organic marketing campaign to raise awareness amongst consumers nationwide, Emmet also talks about work to further increase Irish consumer knowledge and understanding of organic food and farming in Ireland.
This week on Organic Matters, we have Part 2 of a special two-part episode for farmers interested in converting to organic farming. The episode looks further at what is involved in becoming organically certified, with Matthew McInerney from the Irish Organic Association’s certification team.Matthew discusses animal housing rules under organics and how farmers can adapt or update additional housing to comply with them. He also covers the inspection process and record-keeping as well as other issues.Don’t forget you can listen back to Part 1 of this episode here: https://bit.ly/491gHD6
This week on Organic Matters, we have Part 1 of a special two-part episode for farmers interested in converting to organics. The episode takes a step-by-step approach on how to become organically certified, with Shauna Ryan from the Irish Organic Association’s certification team. Shauna discusses some of the frequently asked questions farmers may have about what kind of paperwork to expect and the process on how to apply to become organically certified.Don’t forget to tune into Part 2 bit.ly/3M6UKIQ, which looks at what to anticipate from inspections as well as issues related to animal housing.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Padraig Brennan, chairperson of the Organic Strategy Forum – Ireland’s National Organic Strategy Group. He speaks about the Organic Trading Hub recently launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to facilitate the buying and selling of organic livestock, feedstuff and farm supplies amongst organic farmers nationwide.Padraig also talks about Ireland’s Strategy to develop its organic sector and take advantage of the long-term demand for organic food and other ingredients in Ireland and Europe.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Michael Boyle Managing Director and Geraldine Ward Business Manager of the Donegal Seaweed. The company is based in Dungloe, on the east coast of Donegal and harvests and processes seaweed into organic fertiliser which is sold to customers in Ireland, Europe and further afield.They tell the story of how the family business was established and why they choose to produce organically certified seaweed fertiliser products for farmers, landscapers and gardeners.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak with tillage farmer Gavin Tully from Camolin, Co. Wexford. Gavin tells people thinking about converting to organics not to worry about "what the neighbour thinks". He says that becoming organic has added value to his business and discusses selling potatoes and animal feed direct to customers from his 100-acre farm.He also talks about selecting crop varieties that suit your farm, cover crops, weed control and other challenges and opportunities facing organic tillage farmers.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to the Managing Director of Glenisk, Vincent Cleary. Vincent speaks about the humble beginnings of the now international brand and why organics will always be an integral part of the business. Following on from a fire that devastated their production facility several years ago, Vincent discusses the opportunity it presented to innovate and develop carbon neutral packaging. He also touches on future plans for Glenisk and supporting organic dairy farmers.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Kevin Scully from the Merry Mill in Co. Laois. Kevin was a part-time farmer with beef cattle who grew organic oats as animal feed until his "light bulb" moment when he realised he could sell oats to Irish consumers instead. Fast forward seven years and Kevin and members of his family now work full-time on their farm processing organic oats for the Merry Mill. They market their organic oats both nationally and internationally.September 23rd marks EU Organic Day, an annual event, designed to raise awareness about organics in Ireland and Europe. The Day coincides with the prestigious EU Organic Awards and this year the Merry Mill is a nominee. Presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to Kevin about what it means to him and his family as well as Gillian Westbrook, CEO of the Irish Organic Association. We Wish the Merry Mill the very best!
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Tony Grogan on his farm in the Glen of Aherlow, Co. Tipperary. Tony is a full-time organic suckler farmer, having previously been in intensive pig production. Tony gives his tips on liming land and breeding pedigree animals. He also talks about the importance of rewarding organic farmers who want to deliver additional benefits for the environment.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Mary Fitzgerald and her head gardener Caoimhín Brosnan at the Woodlands House Hotel in Co Limerick. The pair discuss how they designed and created an organic garden and the role the garden plays in supplying food to the hotel. Mary also discusses her plans to have at least one fully organic meal on their menu by the end of this year.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Padraig Dunleavy. Padraig is a beef finisher and tillage farmer in Co Galway with an obsession with high quality manure and soil health. He speaks to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about how he tends his farmyard manure and his farm business.
This week, Organic Matters speaks to Seán McGloin, the network manager of the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS). Organic farming has an EU target of reaching 25% by 2030 and Seán discusses the opportunities and challenges facing farmers in reaching those targets, including the need to develop better markets for organic products. In the case of Ireland, a large proportion of farmers are in organic conversion and urgently need markets in eighteen months.
This week, Organic Matters interviews Lucille Boland from Coolanowle Organic Farm. Lucille describes how the family converted their farm to organic in 2001 and now sell organic meat through a number of organic farmer's markets. However, she warns that the red tape around producing and selling organic produce is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate and is strangling many smaller producers.
This week, Organic Matters speaks to the CEO of Blumáin Organic Skincare, Sinead Murphy from Co Cork. Sinead talks about the importance of organic products in her line of skincare, especially for Irish people who tend to have very sensitive skin. She also talks about how her business has grown and some of the awards she has achieved through her range of products.
This week, Organic Matters speaks to Stuart Rogers who is still in organic conversion. Stuart is sheep farming and has a passion for biodynamic farming with the aim of becoming biodynamic certified through the Irish Organic Association.
This week, we speak to Janet and Jenny from Gorse Farm on the Carlow/Wexford border about creating a small farm from three acres. The pair have created a thriving business selling mainly salad and micro greens to local SuperValus and other stores. They talk about the challenges growers face and their plans for the future.
The week, we hear from Monaghan farmer Sean Greenan. Sean is a relative newcomer to tillage but now grows all his own cattle feed and sells the surplus. He also keeps a pedigree herd of suckler Stabiliser cattle.
Sean will soon have a farm walk and more information about the event can be found at www.irishorganicassociation.ie
This week, Organic Matters speaks to Kenneth Keavy from Green Earth Organics, a veg and veg box business in Co Galway. Kenneth speaks about taking over the family farm 18 years ago, converting to organic and building the business. Sustainability is at the heart of what he does and he discusses the negative role supermarkets can play as well his plans for the future.
This week, our presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan is in England where she visits Berkely farm near Swindon. The farm started delivering milk to people's doorsteps in World War One, and now processes 30,000 litres of milk (20,000 of which is organic) a day. They make yoghurt, kefir and butter in conjunction with selling milk directly to customers.
This week, Organic Matters speaks to Mary Bermingham from the Burren Nature Sanctuary in Kinvara, Co Galway. Mary tells us about being organic certified since 1994 and how the site has developed a visitor centre with various immersive and memorable experiences for visitors. She also explains the importance of the site in terms of biodiversity and conservation work.
This week, Organic Matters, speaks with tillage farmer Jack Browne about his upcoming farm walk and work he's doing on the farm, including exploring min till and agro-forestry options.
Field Talk Farm Walk takes place on July 1st from 11-1pm. To book in email info@irishoa.ie or text the word Organic plus your name & email to 51444.
Christy Stapleton from the Green Door market is this weeks guest on Organic Matters Podcast. Christy talks in depth about what drove the creation of the market. He also highlights what's needed to maintain strong shopper and supplier ties.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to recently fully converted organic dairy farmer Kevin O'Hanlon about how to make good quality organic silage. Kevin discusses his mowing techniques and what he finds are the best way of returning nutrients to the soil after cutting.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Margaret Edgill from Mount Briscoe farm about her recent trip to Canada. She explains her research as a Nuffield Scholar and looks at the bigger picture of farm diversification and food production.
This week, Organic Matters speaks to Chris McCaffrey, an organic beef farmer from Co Donegal. Chris talks about building a very large shed to cater for the cattle on the farm. He also discusses managing a herd of over 200 cattle including feed inputs, such as combi crop silage. A video of Chris discussing his shed is also available on the IOA social media pages.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Limerick organic dairy farmer Tom Stack about Korean Natural Farming. Tom discusses using the method to create his own inputs on the farm, the results he gets and how anyone can try it for themselves.
This week, Organic Matters meets Kerry farmer Michael Gleeson. Michael initially planned to milk his rare breed Kerry cows, however after various events he decided to develop a market for organic rosé veal. He now sells beef boxes directly to customers and has links with various butchers and high-end restaurants.
This week on Organic Matters, technical director with Germinal Ireland Dr Mary McEvoy, discusses the best ways to grow red clover and MSS organically. She also discusses the best techniques for establishing covers and the benefits of reseeding land.
This week on Organic Matters, we talk to well known organic farm advisor Mary Lynch. She tells us the do's and don'ts of making good quality silage and advises farmers on the best investments to make if they're considering applying for a 60% organic TAMS grant.
This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Sean Ring from Kilkenny about his organic poultry farm. Sean explains the challenges and opportunities facing organic poultry producers and his plans for the future.
This week, Organic Matters speaks to Super Soil, about their Irish Organic Association approved product using microbes to help grow grass and crops. Presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to Jessica from Super Soil about how the product works, how it can be used and what the feedback has been from farmers.
This week, Organic Matters, meets Padraig Shevlin from Plant and Soil Solutions and Leslie Dwyer from FutureAg. Both discuss what their businesses can do in terms of correcting soil fertility and the impact that this can have on crops and livestock.
This week, Organic Matters, speakd to Tim O'Donovan from Seedtech about the growth in demand for organic seeds, particularly oats, and the challenges that Seedtech and organic farmers face in securing organic seeds.
In this bonus episode, Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to Robbie Byrne from Precision Nutrition about how to obtain optimum soil health on farms.
This week, Eamon Wall, discusses the importance of genotyping sheep and why this is particularly important for organic sheep farmers who are less likely to be able to rely on using meal to finish animals.
This week, Organic Matters, looks at what farmers need to know when it comes to growing organic crops or reseeding grassland. We talk to Angela Clarke from the IOA about the requirements for buying organic or non-organic seed and Patrick Cashman, from Goldcrop discusses the varieties they have on offer and growing and sowing advice.
This week, Organic Matters, speakd to Tim O'Donovan from Seedtech about the growth in demand for organic seeds, particularly oats, and the challenges that Seedtech and organic farmers face in securing organic seeds.
In the first episode of the second season, Hannah Quinn-Mulligan visits the Irish Seed Savers in Co Clare. General Manager Elaine Bradley, explains the important work they're doing, including sending seeds to the Doomsday vault in the Arctic and saving Ireland's heritage apple trees.
Birgitta Hedin-Curtin is the CEO of The Burren Smokehouse. Inspired by her childhood in Sweden she started the smokehouse over 30 years ago and offers organic salmon for sale and export in Ireland and around the world. She speaks to Organic Matters about building the company and her plans for the future.
Paul Holmbeck has worked extensively to champion organic food and farming. He worked for over 25 years as Managing Director of Organic Denmark and is now advising European governments on organic policy. He talks to Organic Matters about what he feels are the key factors to driving organic production.
Noel Barcoe from the Village Dairy talks about working with organic dairy farmers to provide award winning organic milk and cream that is sold nationwide. He also outlines his hopes for the future and where he believes demand for organic produce is going.
This week, Organic Matters travels to the Burren in Co Clare for the annual Farming for Nature and Burren Winterage event. Organic dairy farmer and Farming for Nature overall winnter Seán Condon is interviewed, as is an organic dairy Austrian farmer who talks about the demand for organic milk from Austrian and German markets.
Some €1.5bn has been pledged to the new agri-environmental scheme, called ACRES. There are 35 measures that farmers can take up but organic farmers can only take up 15 measures before losing out on their organic payment due to double funding rules. Presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to two organic farmers about their thoughts on the scheme.
This week, Organic Matters, hears from Californian organic dairy farmers dealing with drought and a farm in Scotland practicing a calf-at-foot system.
John McCormick talks to Organic Matters about starting his own veg business in Helen's Bay over 20 years ago with a small field and donkey. He discusses how he built up his market and passes on some words of wisdom to aspiring growers.
Kathryn Roche, the marketing manager for Irish Country Meats (ICM), speaks to Organic Matters about the opportunities for organic lamb and gives advice to any sheep farmers considering entering organics.
The finances for each sector are looked at in the final of our three-part series on entering organic agriculture. Organic Specialist from Teagasc Joe Kelleher goes lists the financial breakdown for each area of farming including the higher rate of grant payments that will be available in the next Common Agricultural Policy.
We're talking all things to do with sheds, animal housing and organic fertilisers in the second episode of this three-part special series on entering organics. Hear directly from farmers and the Irish Organic Association about tips and advice for converting existing animal housing or building from scrath.
This week, ACA organic specialist Mary Lynch discusses how much organic farmers could potentially get from the next agri-environment or ACRES scheme. She advises farmers to look up the options and speak to their advisors in plenty of time.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to a range of Irish Organic Association members and suppliers in the Organic Village at the National Ploughing Championships. Demand is high from consumers with some suppliers selling out of produce on Day One!
In the first of this three-part special podcast series on entering organics, IOA inspector John Seery answers all the questions farmers might want to know when considering organics. From conversion plants to payment rates, John speaks to podcast host Hannah Quinn-Mulligan and lists the basic requirements that each farmer will need in their application. This podcast was brought to you by the Irish Organic Association. For more information visit their website on www.irishorganicassocication.ie
Byrce Cunningham is a Scottish farmer who faced bankruptcy a number of years ago when the milk price crashed. Faced with selling out or digging deep, Bryce chose the latter and converted the farm to organic and started selling directly to local customers. He started selling just 600 litres a week but now sells over 30,000 litres a week.
He tells Hannah Quinn-Mulligan from Organic Matters his extraordinary journey, including a commitment to zero plastic and net zero carbon footprint.
Tillage and livestock farmer Trevor Harris, gives an in-depth view of how ploughing fields should be undertaken and why Holistic Grazing works for him. The Kildare man also discusses his new horticulture venture on the farm.
Sheep and tillage farm Fergal Byrne from Kildare, discusses how farmers need to be on the ball if they're involved in organics. He outlines the benefits that comfrey tea compost have had on his crops and the arrival of organic Christmas turkeys.
Conor Mulhall from the Little Milk Company talks about the opportunity presented by Brexit for organic cheese. He also discusses Biofach, the largest European organic food fair, based in Germany and the opportunities for organic dairy in Ireland.
Organic dairy farmer John McHugh discusses the reasons why he has switching from Holistic to Short Grass grazing on his farm, including his ability to now out winter a large proportion of his herd. He also discusses why he switching from conventional to organic farming and the changes that he has seen.
This week, Organic Matters, speaks to Donegal organic farmer Andrew McShea. Andrew runs Tully House Organic Farm and sells his lamb directly to consumers for up to €11/kg. Alongside the farm business, he also operates a company selling seeweed to both organic and non organic customers.
This week, Organic Matters, travels to the foothills of Slieve Bernagh in Co Clare to meet Gert and Elizabeth Stam, who retired from running a garden with over 25,000 visitors every year in the Netherlands to a small farm in Ireland. They specialise in rare plants, and have a passionate interest in organic farming and ensuring plants are grown slowly and are suitable to the Irish climate. They are also the only fully certified organic plant nursery in Ireland.
This week, Organic Matters meets Margaret Edgill from Mount Briscoe organic farm in Offaly. Margaret discusses returning home to take over the farm a number of years ago and adding an agri-tourism and accommodation element to the family suckler farm.
This week, Organic Matters, meets dairy farmer Tom Phelan in Co Laois. Tom and his son Alan took the plunge from conventional suckler and sheep farming to organic dairy farming a number of years ago. Tom says he 'would never go back' to sucklers and explains the farm set-up, including supplying winter milk to Glenisk.
This week, Organic Matters speaks to John Geraghty about the new Organic and Biological Masters launched in WIT. John speaks about what type of modules will be on the course and how it will be taught.
This week, Organic Matters visits Beechlawn organic horticulture farm to meet couple Pádraig and Una Fahy. The pair have grown their business from a relatively small vegetable business into a thriving hub, with veg box deliveries and a farm shop. They discuss how they built their business and give advice for anyone else thinking of getting into horticulture.
This week, Organic Matters, speaks to organic farm advisor Mary Lynch about what the new ACRES scheme means for organic farmers and hears what grassland farmers should be prioritising in terms of managing their farms over summer months.
This week, Organic Matters, travels to farm walk hosted by the Tipperary and Limerick organic farmers discussion group on the farm of Pat O'Connor in Tipperary. Pat runs stockless tillage farm and his neighbour, conventional dairy farmer Tomás O'Keefe, speaks about how the two work in symbiosis, trading FYM for grazing and clover. Soils specialist John Geraghty also speaks about the need to support organic farmers' learning.
This week, Organic Matters interviews Claire O'Connor about her shop Manna in Tralee, which sells local fresh organic vegetables and all types of organic food from your regular corner shop classics like milk and eggs to high-end luxury chocolate. Claire also runs a farm in Kerry with her husband Thomas and feels passionately that there is an appetite there for more local organic food produced by farmers across Ireland and huge potential for more organic stores.
This week, Organic Matters meets husband and wife team Esther and Ollie who run Cúlbhac Farm outside Nenagh in Tipperary. The pair sell organic hen eggs and run a calf to beef system, selling the beef via beef boxes.
With just less than 2% of land in Ireland farmed organically, host Hannah Quinn-Mulligan asks the European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski how he views the organic sector and where he'd like to see the organic sector in Ireland heading on a visit to an organic farm outside Dublin. Minister of State for Agriculture Pippa Hackett and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue also give their views on the organic sector. The Commissioner was visiting the farm of Eddie and Swantje Kiernan on Rathvale Organic Farm oustide Dublin city.
A special edition of the the Irish Organic Association podcast where we speak to the European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski. With just less than 2% of land in Ireland farmed organically, host Hannah Quinn-Mulligan asks the Commissioner how he views the organic sector and where he'd like to see the organic sector in Ireland heading. The Commissioner was visiting the farm of Eddie and Swantje Kiernan on Rathvale Organic Farm oustide Dublin city.
This week, Organic Matters, meets a farmer who is not afraid to change his system. Oliver Dixon is farming in Mayo and speaks to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about switching from a suckler system and sowing more red clover for silage to finish weanlings.
Orla and Sean Clancy run Clanwood Farm and the Organic Café in Lough Boora and Fallon's Bar in Co Offaly. Sean speaks to Organic Matters about coming home to the family farm and the pair's journey into food production. He also explains how the pandemic meant they had to adapt and what that has meant for the business.
Irish wool was once a valuable product from our national flock but over time this has radically changed with shearing costing more than the value of the fleece. However, Blaitnaid Gallagher and the Galway Wool Co-op are keen to change that. She speaks to Organic Matters about her passion for wool and how it can work in a modern society. Aiden Walsh also discusses demand for wool.
This week, Organic Matters meets organic horticulture and beef farmer Patrick Frankel on his farm in Doneraile, Co Cork. Patrick discusses the intense workload and rewards that come from growing four acres of organic vegetables and salad crops for restaurant and market outlets. He also compares the income from the four acres of vegetables versus 90 acres of beef farming that he also runs and looks to plans for the future with a growing apple orchard.
As farmers are accepted onto the red clover and MSS scheme this month, Organic Matters speaks to Kevin O' Hanlon who manages an organic dairy farm in Wexford. Kevin has put a lot of work into establishing clover on the farm and he shares his tricks of the trade for sowing, grazing and ensiling the crop.
This week on Organic Matters, Kilkenny farmer Reuben Cope shares his story of converting to organic farming in 2018, including opening an on-farm café and growing tillage crops for the first time. He also discusses his plans for the future, including expanding his organic fruit and vegetable area.
This week, Organic Matters, meets the CEO of Nova Q, Julian Beatty to discuss slurry treatments for organic and conventional farmers. Julian highlights how they can help farmers to meet emission target reductions for the sector of up to 30% by 2030 and help add nutrients to the soil.
This week, Organic Matters visits organic dairy farmer Sean Condon. Sean is milking 50 cows in Co Limerick and direct selling raw organic milk to customers through the Urban Co-op. Sean chats to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about the process of milking, bottling and selling his milk and how he feels his once-a-day milking system works for him.
This week, Organic Matters visits the Urban Co-op in Limerick and finds out about demand for organic food and why customers enjoy coming to the co-op. The podcast looks at the produce for sale including from Larkins Farm, Esther's Eggs and a number of other Irish Organic Association producers.
This week Organic Matters visits organic sheep and tillage farmer Graham Harris in Kildare as he hosts a farm walk. Graham made the switch in 2019 and farms 70 hectares and keeps 130 sheep alongside the tillage enterprise.
Presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to a number of farmers about their own tillage operations and debusts some myths about organic tillage and weed control.
This week, Organic Matters travels to the farm of beef and tillage farmer Tom Dunne in Co Laois. Tom was the first organic farmer to win Zurich Farmer of the Year and is passionate about the use of combi-crops in finishing cattle in an organic system.
Presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan also discusses the reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme with Jack Nolan, the head of the Organic Division in the Department of Agriculture.
This week, Organic Matters travels to Monaghan to meet farmer Mark Gillanders who is one half of the farmer partnership running the Irish Organic Mill, one of the few mills in Ireland growing and milling Irish organic flour.
Mark speaks to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about taking a chance on organic flour. Grace Maher, development officer with the Irish Organic Association also debunks any claims that Ireland can't grow milling quality wheat and outlines the impact the war in the Ukraine is likely to have on demand.
This week Organic Matters travels to a farm walk in Westmeath to meet farmer Andrew Fagan and meet other farmers considering making the switch to organic or building on their organic enterprise.
Andrew discusses why he converted to organic farming and what he's learnt through the process.