Grace Maher: Beef crisis has highlighted the urgent need for diversification
The beef crisis has again raised serious questions about future levels of production in that sector.
Grace Maher
Grace Maher is development officer with IOFGA, www.iofga.org
Green manures control weeds, boost biodiversity and improve crop yields
Cover crops have become increasingly popular in arable production, mostly due to the fact that it is supported under the GLAS scheme as a greening measure.
Flexible approach yielding a fine harvest for specialist organic grower
Gavin Tully farms 100 acres in Clonhenritte, which is just outside of Camolin in Co Wexford. He operates an arable farm growing a wide range of crops including 30ac of malting barley, 12ac of...
Innovations mark Kildare farm out as one of Ireland's most progressive organic holdings
When Deirdre O'Sullivan and Norman Kenny purchased Nurney House with its accompanying 14 acres near Carbury, Co Kildare back in 1990...
'I had to change - the way I was farming was simply not sustainable'
Five years ago Fergal Byrne reached a crossroads in his farming life.
Irish organic sector eyeing €17bn French and German markets
The German and French organic markets - worth a combined €17bn - are being targeted as opportunities for Irish producers as the sector continues to grow in the country.
Grower returns must increase to ensure the expansion of our organic food sector
This year's unusual weather patterns have increased financial burdens on farmers, and with input costs rising, the months ahead will be challenging.
'Crops would have burned in the fields if we hadn’t installed an irrigation system’
As with most farmers, 2018 has proven a challenging year for organic vegetable grower Vincent Grace.
Grower returns must increase to ensure the expansion of our organic food sector
This year’s unusual weather patterns have increased financial burdens on farmers, and with input costs rising, the months ahead will be challenging.
'Red clover proving once again how important it is in organic farming systems'
Our weather over the past 12 months has delivered storms, hurricanes, monsoon rains and finally drought. Increased uncertainty in weather patterns has made forward planning extremely difficult for farmers.
'There was no plan B' - How this couple swapped the city for life as an organic farmer in Laois
It's a big leap from a background in theology and working with the homeless to organic farming, but it’s a journey Dominic Leonard has travelled in...
Why this Organic dairy farmer has no regrets about switching to once a day milking
It's 20 years since Fintan and Valerie Rice from Fethard in Co Tipperary took the unusual step of converting their dairy farm to organic production.
Direct sales and push by discounters driving strong organic sales growth
The future looks bright for the organic sector. Bord Bia data on the retail multiples showed that the organic market grew by 10.5pc in 2017 and is now worth an estimated €162m.
'Free from' is a food trend that's here to stay
While food trends come and go, the 'free from' category is growing. A Bord Bia survey carried out earlier this year found that 20pc of respondents had purchased gluten-free products.
How this farm family started producing gluten-free oats
One morning while Kevin Scully was feeding the cattle with his youngest daughter, Niamh, she asked what the cattle were eating.
The Daily Digest
Carlow man on building up his organic egg business from scratch to 2,400 laying hens
He didn't grow up on a farm, but David Butler always had an interest in poultry and when the opportunity presented itself, he took the plunge into organic farming.
Precision farming on 2,400 acres: Inside Ireland's largest organic farm
When the biggest organic farm in the country went on the market a few years back, it caught the attention of high-profile buyers from near and afar.
'We felt we had to do something different' - why this couple turned to organic
Alan Ward and Emma Hennessy switched to organic farming this year as conventional farming was just not lucrative for them.
Ireland bottom of the EU organic farming table
The third tranche of the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) under the Rural Development Programme opened for one month at the end of 2018.
How the dough in organic bread rising fast
There is greater awareness of food provenance right across Ireland, much of which is being fuelled by younger consumers interested in where and how the food and drink they consume is produced. While taste is subjective, it is attracting more attention as a distinct selling point.
'We aim for four cuts of red clover silage each year'
Dairy farmer Brendan Gildea reckons there is a "fantastic opportunity for conventional tillage farmers to switch to organic", and he believes the fodder shortages resulting from the recent drought could convince people to make the change.
'Oats are a tough crop and more adaptable to weather extremes'
All farmers are suffering with the ravages of the drought but Donald Tracey is confident that his organic oats will not be too badly hit - and even if his yield does end up significantly down, he is looking on the bright side.
Why non-renewable packaging will not be an option in the future
As a result of significant market changes, mushroom growers have been forced to look at new product development, and this is where organic mushrooms have generated an interest.
'We need detailed analysis of what is going on at farm level'
Padraig Fahy and Una Ni Bhroin started Beechlawn Organic Farm in 2003 on the outskirts of Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Cork cereal grower onto a winner by selling surplus produce to fellow organic farmers
Brian O' Regan farms in Dunderrow just outside of Kinsale. A tillage and poultry farmer, he converted the tillage operation to organic production back in 2008.
Striking a balance between livestock and the environment
As farmers around the country calculate the damage from recent weather extremes it once again illustrates just how vulnerable the sector is in the face of changing weather patterns.
'More farmers would go organic if they knew what's involved'
Mixed farming is proving a recipe for success for Mark Harold-Barry who farms at Cordangan, just outside Tipperary town.
Organic is moving swiftly from niche markets to the mainstream
Consumer demand for organic food is increasing globally and is worth in excess of €75bn, with all the main markets growing in double digits.
Wexford couple on why plans to convert organic farm to 100pc stockless makes sense on many levels
As I write this I can hear the drone of combines in the fields around me as the 2017 harvest continues. Yields so far may be slightly lower than anticipated, but the demand for straw is up so overall it may be a good year for tillage farmers.
Environmental schemes will come under the spotlight in CAP debate
Agri-environmental measures (AEM) will be just one of the subjects of debate as the policy framework for the next round of the CAP is decided. They play a crucial role in meeting society's demand for environmental outcomes provided by agriculture.
Kilkenny farmer carving out a new business in organic chicken rearing
SEAN Ring farms just outside of Castlecomer in Co Kilkenny, where for the past five years he has been producing free-range chickens.
'Low level of organic production a massive missed opportunity for Irish farmers'
Ireland is experiencing the second fastest growing sales of organic produce globally, with consumers now spending €31 per capita per year on organic food, according to new figures from the Swiss-based Institute For Organic Research.
See what these dairy cows are producing that makes them different
Foods derived from animal fats have received a lot of negative press over the past few years.
Opinion: Recent shortages reflect how dependent we have become on vegetable imports
Over the past few weeks vegetables have taken centre stage, which is unusual for this time of the year.
The organic beef farm in Wicklow that is also home to the Vikings TV series
Farming and film-making are unusual bedfellows, but this mix is certainly working for one enterprising Wicklow family - thanks in no small part to the exploits of one Ragnar Lothbrok.
Organics: Farming with a social conscience
Social farming like organic farming is underdeveloped in Ireland, and we lag badly behind many of our European counterparts in both disciplines.
Follow one man's journey to organic milk production
With demand for organic dairy products seeing continued growth, production is struggling to keep up. New Zealand has had a huge surge in farmers converting to organic production, while European and US farmers lag behind.
Farmers need to stay informed about emerging food trends
The 20pc growth in organic food sales in Ireland in the past year is broadly attributed to people who are making food choices based on health and well-being. These customers are essentially looking for high quality, natural food.
Organic growth
Sales of organic food in Ireland are up 20pc, boosting the prospects for farmers who have converted to organic production in the last 12 months.
Finger on the organic pulses
The availability of organic protein crops is a big factor in determining viability for livestock farmers, particularly pig and poultry producers. Organic regulations require a GM-free feed which further increases costs.
Urban farmers roll up their sleeves
The concept of cultivating food outside of the traditional rural farming system is nothing new, as throughout the years it has flourished many times especially during war time in Europe and the US.
Organic schemes pave way for farmers converting farms
Two tranches of the Organic Farming Scheme opened in 2015 resulting in an unprecedented number of farmers converting their farms to organics.
Potential of agroforestry can no longer be ignored
Schemes to encourage afforestation have led to the establishment of 26,000 private forest plantations in Ireland since 1980. The majority of these plantations are owned by farmers, making farmers the new foresters.
Vegetable growers have little to cheer about
There is a big focus on food in this year's Christmas advertising with all sorts of products competing to make it onto our tables for the all-important Christmas dinner.
Golden opportunities for organic farmers in the USA
Sales of organic food continue to soar in the United States. In 2014 tills were jingling to the tune of a staggering $39bn (€34.8bn), up 11.3pc on the previous year.
Plenty of scope to grow the organics sector
The Organic Farming Scheme opened for six weeks in 2015 and figures issued from the Department show that 870 people applied.
Sector needs to nurture new talent
As the annual Bloom Festival draws to a close, horticulture and the business of growing has been gaining some overdue attention in the media.
Payments boost for organic farmers
Organic farmers received confirmation today of a 60pc increase in their payments under a new €56m scheme announced by the Department of Agriculture.
Organic lamb producers left with a hard sell
With the lambing season in full swing farmers should be pleased with strong prices as factories are paying €6/kg - and more - in order to secure supply in a tightening market.
Organics is now a 'star performer' of EU food sector
The organic sector will become a major driver of EU food exports over the next five years, Commissioner Phil Hogan has predicted.
Rotation of cover crops can greatly improve soil quality
This year has been declared the International Year of the Soils (IYS) by the UN. The IYS aims to be a platform for raising awareness of the importance of soils for food security and essential eco-system functions.
A 'leap of faith' that's holding true after three decades
Anthony Kilcullen began farming in 1962 in Enniscrone, Co Sligo. In September 1984 he changed to organic farming after a considerable amount of research on the subject.
New organic farming scheme generating huge interest
There is a strong interest in organic farming as farmers look at ways to maximise incomes during the coming years.
Farmers must look beyond the farm gate
With the economy showing signs of recovery, agriculture may no longer be seen as the golden light guiding us out of the recession. It has been an excellent year for farming, but prices being paid to farmers are nothing to sing about.
Humble clover is main driver in organic farming
Clover is a small plant with a big function. Red clover is becoming increasingly popular in organic farming but is not widely used outside of the organic sector.
Future's bright for organic growers
Demand for organic produce in Ireland is growing again at a rate of 2pc per annum according to a report commissioned by Bord Bia.
There is a heavy price to pay for not growing organic
There is a serious deficit in organic cereal production in Ireland which leaves organic farmers hugely dependent on imported feed.
Degree course could boost organics sector
The absence of degree courses in organic agriculture is a big drawback for entrants to organic farming in this country.
Robotic milky way goes organic in Tipp
Organic farming echoes many of the principles of traditional farming and is often criticised for being old fashioned. However, many organic farmers argue that it is a highly advanced method of farming requiring intricate knowledge and skill. While organic farming has a younger age profile than conventional farming, some sectors are struggling to attract both new entrants.
An organic little business idea
Tipperary native Niamh O'Dwyer is a woman of substance. A young mother, she has turned her experience of feeding a young family into a viable business venture that has attracted the support of one of the country's oldest dairy processors.
German fair is the spot for Irish companies to tout for business
A year on from the horsemeat scandal and consumers in Ireland and throughout Europe are demanding more traceability and accountability within the meat industry.
Mulhall family make the most of their home-grown produce
Jimmy and Bernadine Mulhall converted to organic farming in 2001. Jimmy says his primary reason for going organic was the rising costs of inputs in conventional production and the variability of the returns.
'I am much better off financially after making organic switch'
The key question coming from farmers is whether organic farming is economically viable. With 1.3pc of farmers in Ireland certified as organic, and an ambitious target of 5pc set under Food Harvest 2020, it is difficult to account for such a low conversion rate here.
State failing to back homegrown organic sector
In January 2012, the Government pledged to increase the amount of locally grown Irish food it buys for hospitals and other public bodies as part of its Green Tenders public procurement plan.
Fruit and veg growers need retailer support
It's been a great season for vegetable growers after five consecutive growing seasons that were poor at best. In fact, after the last two years in particular, 2013 may just have been enough to prevent many growers from giving up altogether.
Irish cheese producers giving the French a lesson in how to make the most of the artisan market
For many small-scale Irish cheese producers, France is the Brazil of the business.
Organic farms told to engage in CAP debate
Irish organic producers need to engage with the ongoing CAP negotiations to secure rural development schemes with the potential to offer additional incomes streams, IOFGA has declared.
Organic beef price to remain above €5/kg
The organic sector is no different from the conventional sector in that the majority of farmers are beef producers.
'Orchard extends my season'
Stephen Briggs, from Abacus Organic Associates in Britain, undertook a Nuffield Scholarship to study the adoption of commercial agroforestry and its applicability to temperate farming systems.
Agroforestry: A unique pathway to securing a more sustainable future
The term 'agroforestry' is one of the newest buzzwords circulating in the organic sector at the moment. It is an integrated land use system that combines elements of agriculture and forestry in a sustainable production system.
Last year's deluge will have an impact, but 2013 offers big opportunities in organics
Reflecting back on 2012, like most years, there were many things to savour and also many to forget.
'I would be taking a cut in income if I left organics'
2012 was a year when rainfall levels broke records all over the country and farm incomes were down by 12pc. But has it deterred seasoned organic producers?
Nothing 'immoral' in organic agriculture
While John Shirley's recent article ("Is organic farming immoral when millions are starving?") reflects the views of Dr Keith Dawson, the language and the headline used were over dramatic.