Season 3: Developing an organic oil and spices oil business
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.
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Season 3: Building direct selling veg and combi crop businesses
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.
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Season 3: How Organic Exotic Mushrooms saved one Irish couple after Brexit
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
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Season 3: Mob grazing livestock in Cork
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.
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Season 3: Developing a farm shop, café, egg and veg business on a social farm
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.
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.
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