Season 4: Buying 20ac to address short supply chain issues in organics
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.
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Season 4: Growing an organic egg, veg and suckler beef system
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.
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Season 4: Second year suckler farming in organics
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.
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Season 4: Making Organic Beef Farming Work for You
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.
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Season 4: Combining forestry with organics
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
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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