Seeing at first hand the return on organics

A NATIONWIDE series of twelve organic demonstration farm walks to showcase successful organic operators is now under way across the country.

These farm walks highlight the opportunities which exist in the organic sector. Organised by Teagasc, in conjunction with the Dept. of Agriculture, the fifth farm walk in this year’s series will take place on the farm of Kenneth Keavey, Greenearth Organic Farm, Caherlea, Corrandulla, on Wednesday, September 30 at 2 pm.

Irish organic food enjoys an excellent reputation both at home, and especially across Europe. There are shortages in the domestic market especially in grain, milk, fruit and vegetables.

In particular, there is considerable scope for import substitution of fruit and vegetables. According to Bord Bia, the Irish organic market is worth around €100 million, up from €63 million in 2004.

Dan Clavin, Organic Specialist at Teagasc said series said that the farm walks were a great opportunity for farmers and growers to see the developments and innovations currently taking place on organic farms.

“For consumers, the walks also provide the opportunity to see with their own eyes the high standards under which organic food is produced,” said Dan Clavin.

Kenneth Keavey along with his wife Jenny, started their organic conversion period in 2004. Currently they farm on 15 acres of organically certified land producing 25 different types of fruit and vegetables.

The majority of produce is supplied through on an on-line home delivery box scheme service which supplies customers with a weekly box of organic produce. Produce is also supplied to local supermarkets, restaurants, an on-site farm shop and Moycullen Farmers’ Market.

Kenneth has developed his business successfully over the years and received recognition for this in the last few years with a JFC/Teagasc/Farmer’s Journal Innovation Programme finalist award and the 2014 SCCUL Innovation Enterprise overall award for entrepreneurship.

“I went into organic farming mainly because I could see there was a demand from the public for quality local organic food but also because I had an interest in an environmentally sustainable way of farming. Now we are employing six full-time staff as well as six part-timers and making a decent living off just 15 acres,” said Kenneth Keavey.

Kenneth grows his crops according to a strict set of EU standards using special plant varieties to fight off diseases and green manures such as red clover to boost soil fertility and organic matter.

“I am very interested in creating awareness around healthy eating and organic farming methods. We have hosted several open days in the past including children’s school tours. These have helped create awareness of how we grow our crops and where our food comes from,” he said.

Kenneth, along with representatives from Teagasc, the Organic Certification Bodies and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will be on hand on the day to answer queries. Farmers, farm family members, along with members of the public are welcome to attend.

Admission is free of charge. The full list of twelve demo farm walks can be seen at www.teagasc.ie/events More information on Greenearth Organic Farm can be seen at: www.greenearthorganics.ie