Organic Matters

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 meet brothers Charlie and Dan Hogan, and Dan's wife 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.

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 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 speak to beef farmer Rebecca Harris. Rebecca is based in county Wicklow and runs a 230 herd of Angus cattle with her family across 800 acres. Animals are outside all year round and grass-fed only with a strong focus on animal health and welfare. Rebecca speaks about getting a premium for their organic beef by selling direct through Avoca under the Ballyhenry Organic Angus brand as well as future plans to build their own abattoir on the farm.

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.