2009 teagasc organic demonstration farms announced

From 400 cow dairy farms in north Donegal to clay ovens in Kildare and carrots in Cork, the 2009 Teagasc organic demonstration farms have been announced.

The organic sector can consider itself blessed that the number of organic demonstration farms has remained stable, when all around, the scythe of agri-cutbacks has been swung.

In 2005, when the first of the series began, just three farmers were involved: James Mulhall (milk, beef, lamb in Laois), the Colchesters (Turkey, chicken, lamb, beef in Kilkenny) and Fintan Rice (Dairy in Tipperary). All three are having walks again.

I know and have been to the farms of a reasonable number of these farmers, so perusing the list, I immediately noticed a positive: all are relatively happy with their farming and food business lot. Many are also diversifying to keep ahead of the game. A significant number are growing and expanding their enterprises.

There are also newcomers which reflects that fact that the organic sector is growing, albeit from a low base.

One of the most interesting of the newcomers is quite a distance away from almost everywhere: north Donegal. Its a long trip but it just might be worth getting up to Ian Witherow's leased holding.

There are less than 20 organic dairy holdings in Ireland, but when this one becomes fully certified in March of next year, 400 dairy cows will be supplying organic milk into the system

Witherow will be supplying Donegal Creameries all year round, which will involve both Spring and Autumn calving. According to a recent report by Pat Barry, who has helped with the conversion process: �In 2008, the herd consisted of 50% first calvers and averaged 5650 litres at 4% butterfat and 3.35% protein using 400 kg concentrates�.

The holding, having previously been in cereals, was reseeded with a sward including red and white clover.

As housing modifications had to be made, Dairy farmers interested in the organic option may learn from Witherow's shed conversion experience. This has been cited as one of the main changes needed in converting a holding to organic.

What's perhaps most interesting about this holding is that the diary unit Witherow is leasing is just one part of a 2500 acre organic farm, an Grainin, which will become one of Europe's biggest organic farms when fully certified next year.

That in itself could well make for a worthwhile visit on Thursday 2nd July.

Another newcomer to the series includes Colm O Regan (Kinsale, Cork) on Thursday 18th June for horticulture and poultry. The other and previous organic horticultural walks tended to be more northerly (mid Clare, east Galway and Offaly), so this is an opportunity for those interested in this option in the south west.

Peter and Jenny Young (Kildare) have held walks before. However, this time they are holding two, including one which specifically includes farm diversifications. This latter area has been historically underrepresented on the walks, so this makes for a welcome change.

And if any holding in Ireland could be seen as a model of diversification, then surely its the Young's Castlefarm.

There are many innovative examples of their diversification. They have diversified into different food enterprises, along with their mainstay of dairying, including poultry, cheese and chutneys.

Along with production -specific diversifications, they have developed numerous other uses for their land and skills.

They currently offer 32 6x5mt allotments, and bring in experts to offer classes once a month for budding gardeners. More than this, they offer courses for farmers, landowners and community groups to learn how to offer allotments to the public.

They also offer courses in a range of food and sustainability-related areas such as outdoor clay oven building, willow weaving and many aspects of farming and growing. They even take school tours.

This second of the Young's walks, which will also feature horticulture and their farm shop, is on Friday August 28th .

Overall, both the geographical spread of the organic demonstration farms, as well as the range and number of farming and growing options on offer is to be commended.

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