organic summer newsletter 2011 - leitrim organic€¦ · clare 615 cork 942 donegal 1,418 dublin 34...

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The ORGANIC PRODUCER The Organic Producer is produced by the Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, in co-operation with the Western Organic Network and is distributed to all registered organic farmers in North West Ireland, to subscribers nationwide and to agricultural agencies in the Republic and Northern Ireland. If you have information you would like included in the next issue, please send it to: The Editor, Organic Producer, Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, The Enterprise Centre, Hill Road, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. Phone: 071 9640868, Fax: 071 9640869, Email: [email protected]. (Download at www.leitrimorganic.com) Summer 2011 ISSUE 35 12 Issue 35 Summer 2011 Organic Producer Livestock For Sale Organic Black Galloway pedigree cattle. "Bulls, Heifers, Cows for sale" from Organic Farm (Full Symbol IOFGA Licence No. 418), Galloways of Lecarrow, Spencer Harbour, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim. Contact Joachim Schaefer 071-9648960 or gallowaysoflecarrow@gmail. com Two Purebred Registered Aberdeen Angus Bulls for sale. Also 2 purebred registered maiden heifers. Full Symbol. Corduff Organic Farm. Ballinagh, Co. Cavan. To arrange to view, contact Philip Moynagh 087 7998633/049 4337465. 2 fully organic sim cross first calvers with calves at foot. 7 (Lim/Char/Angus Cross) 5th Calvers with calves at foot. Based in the midlands. Can deliver as required. Contact Paddy 057 9331509. Produce For Sale Wanted Organic Opportunities 25 acre organic farm fully registered organic since 1999. Many enterprises available - to work, share, lease, rent or for sale as going concern or W.H.Y. Enquiries to John Brennan at 071 9640868 or email [email protected] WOOFERS required for horticulture unit in North Sligo from May onwards, accommodation provided on site. In scenic location, close to the sea. Contact Aidan 086 1575623. Belted galloway heifers halfbreds (Limerick area) Contact John at 087-6555260, email [email protected] Store bullocks and heifers wanted. Contact John Quinn, 086 2556883. Tipperary area. Wanted, one ton organic barley and half ton of organic oats. Also 300 square bales of organic hay delivered to West Mayo. Contact Christophe, 087.2621832 or [email protected] 2 Aberdeen Angus weanlings wanted, Roscommon and surrounding areas. Contact 086 8741189. For Sale Small square bales of June hay saved without rain for sale. Contact 089 4213822 (Roscommon area). Two 3 year old hereford cows with aberdeen angus calves at foot due June/July. Limerick area. Contact 086 7738383 (Limerick). Fertile goose eggs for sale. Leitrim area. Contact 071 96 36265 100 texel store lambs. Roscommon area. Contact 086 8542309. Services To keep up to date with stock listings go to www.leitrimorganic.com Colour photocopying service available at reasonable rates. Why not give us a call at 071 9640868. Organic Galloway Beef from Organic Farm, Galloways of Lecarrow, Spencer Harbour, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim. Contact Joachim Schaefer 071-9648960 or gallowaysoflecarrow@gmail. com Fencing Contractor Available Fencing Contractor available in Leitrim & Surrounding counties specialising in fencing for REPS, Commercial Forestry, Deer and Amenity fencing Free Range and Organic enterprises a speciality, Contact Michael at 087 6248589 or 07196 41324 Sligo AI Brendan McCrann 087 900 8830 Leitrim Organic Farmers Coop organised a spit roast to open the 2011 Roscommon Lamb Festival. The event now in its 3 rd year ran over 5days and the coop cooked 4 organic hoggets supplied by member Sean Butler of Tavanagh Organic Farm in Brideswell near Athlone. The lamb took 3 hours to cook over charcoal. The hoggets were butchered by Troy Meats in Tyrellspass Co Westmeath and hung for 14 days who is long associated with the organic sector. Tavanagh Farm is now taking orders for organic Spring lamb and Aberdeen Angus Beef See www.hillsidefarm.ie or call Sean on 09096 83708 The coop also cooked spit roasts at many other events to showcase the quality of Roscommon Organic Lamb. Picture below shows John Brennan and Andrew Chilton with the cooked lamb ready to serve. National Organic Food Conference The National Organic Food Conference is taking place on Tuesday the 14 th June at the Limerick Institute of Technology. If you are interested in learning more about the Irish organic food sector this conference is the organic event of the year. Speakers at the conference include Adrian Dolby from Barrington Farm Estates one of the largest commercial organic farms in the UK and from Organic Dairy brand Glenisk. A wealth of information will be provided in themed breakout sessions such as; accessing consumers directly, export case studies, available supports to the organic sector and developments in the Irish foodservice sector. Lunch will be prepared by Peter Ward from Country Choice and Aramark and all of the food will be sourced from local organic producers. An understanding of The Irish consumer from the Futures Company and a panel discussion will form the basis of the afternoon session. According to Kantar figures (52 weeks 17 th April 2011) the organic market is valued at approx €97m and shows an increase on the previous 12 months. Key Performance Indicators show that more people are shopping for organic but they are buying less than previously. Categories showing growth include yogurts, vegetables and snacks while fruit is down. For more detailed information or to register to attend this conference please visit www.bordbia.ie/National OrganicConference As part of increasing its overall service to members, Leitrim Organic Farmers Coop is listing stock for sale with photos where available on its website. This provides opportunities for farmers to sell their stock all year round. It also provides an opportunity for members who are not near marts to sell their stock. Each ad can have multiple photos attached and this gives potential buyers an opportunity to see stock before they undertake (in some cases) a long journey to the seller. Farmers can also advertise machinery, fodder and other items .This service is in addition to the 6 organic sales run in conjunction with Drumshanbo Mart where record prices were achieved this spring. To place your ad contact Amanda at the office and simply email with photos to [email protected] or txt them to 087 2703603, see www.leitrimorganic.com The stock will be listed for 30 days unless otherwise advised. Coop members can use this service as often as they wish throughout the year. If you are not already a member fill in the form on page 11 and return with the fee of €50. Sell your Stock Online New Season Organic Lamb at Roscommon Lamb Festival

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Page 1: Organic Summer Newsletter 2011 - Leitrim Organic€¦ · Clare 615 Cork 942 Donegal 1,418 Dublin 34 Galway 1,103 Kerry 801 Kildare 47 Kilkenny 146 Laois 160 Leitrim 360 Limerick 248

TheORGANICPRODUCER

The Organic Producer is produced by the LeitrimOrganic Farmers Co-op, in co-operation with theWestern Organic Network and is distributed to allregistered organic farmers in North West Ireland, tosubscribers nationwide and to agricultural agencies in theRepublic and Northern Ireland. If you have informationyou would like included in the next issue, please send itto: The Editor, Organic Producer, Leitrim OrganicFarmers Co-op, The Enterprise Centre, Hill Road,Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.Phone: 071 9640868, Fax: 071 9640869,Email: [email protected].(Download at www.leitrimorganic.com)

Summer 2011 ISSUE 35

12 Issue 35 Summer 2011 Organic Producer

Livestock For Sale

Organic Black Gallowaypedigree cattle. "Bulls,Heifers, Cows for sale" fromOrganic Farm (Full SymbolIOFGA Licence No. 418),Galloways of Lecarrow,Spencer Harbour,Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim.Contact Joachim Schaefer071-9648960 [email protected]

Two Purebred RegisteredAberdeen Angus Bulls forsale. Also 2 purebredregistered maiden heifers.Full Symbol. CorduffOrganic Farm. Ballinagh,Co. Cavan. To arrange toview, contact PhilipMoynagh 087 7998633/0494337465.

2 fully organic sim cross firstcalvers with calves at foot.7 (Lim/Char/Angus Cross)5th Calvers with calves atfoot. Based in the midlands.Can deliver as required.Contact Paddy 0579331509.

Produce For Sale Wanted Organic Opportunities

25 acre organic farm fullyregistered organic since1999. Many enterprisesavailable - to work, share,lease, rent or for sale asgoing concern or W.H.Y.Enquiries to John Brennanat 071 9640868 or [email protected]

WOOFERS required forhorticulture unit in NorthSligo from May onwards,accommodation providedon site. In scenic location,close to the sea.Contact Aidan 086 1575623.

Belted galloway heifershalfbreds (Limerick area)Contact John at087-6555260, [email protected]

Store bullocks and heiferswanted. Contact John Quinn,086 2556883. Tipperary area.

Wanted, one ton organicbarley and half ton of organicoats. Also 300 square balesof organic hay delivered toWest Mayo. ContactChristophe, 087.2621832 [email protected]

2 Aberdeen Angus weanlingswanted, Roscommon andsurrounding areas. Contact086 8741189.

For Sale

Small square bales of Junehay saved without rain forsale. Contact 089 4213822(Roscommon area).

Two 3 year old herefordcows with aberdeen anguscalves at foot due June/July.Limerick area. Contact 0867738383 (Limerick).

Fertile goose eggs for sale.Leitrim area. Contact071 96 36265

100 texel store lambs.Roscommon area. Contact086 8542309.

Services

To keep up to date withstock listings go towww.leitrimorganic.com

Colour photocopying serviceavailable at reasonable rates.Why not give us a call at 0719640868.

Organic Galloway Beef fromOrganic Farm, Galloways ofLecarrow, Spencer Harbour,Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim.Contact Joachim Schaefer071-9648960 [email protected]

Fencing ContractorAvailable

Fencing Contractor availablein Leitrim & Surroundingcounties specialising infencing for REPS,Commercial Forestry, Deerand Amenity fencing FreeRange and Organicenterprises a speciality,Contact Michael at 0876248589 or 07196 41324

Sligo AIBrendan McCrann

087 900 8830

Leitrim Organic Farmers Cooporganised a spit roast to openthe 2011 Roscommon LambFestival. The event now in its3rd year ran over 5days and thecoop cooked 4 organic hoggetssupplied by member SeanButler of Tavanagh OrganicFarm in Brideswell nearAthlone. The lamb took 3 hours

to cook over charcoal. Thehoggets were butchered by TroyMeats in Tyrellspass CoWestmeath and hung for 14days who is long associatedwith the organic sector.Tavanagh Farm is now takingorders for organic Spring lamband Aberdeen Angus Beef Seewww.hillsidefarm.ie or call

Sean on 09096 83708 The coopalso cooked spit roasts at manyother events to showcase thequality of Roscommon OrganicLamb.Picture below shows JohnBrennan and Andrew Chiltonwith the cooked lambready to serve.

National Organic Food ConferenceThe National OrganicFood Conference istaking place on Tuesdaythe 14th June at theLimerick Institute ofTechnology. If you areinterested in learningmore about the Irishorganic food sector thisconference is the organicevent of the year.Speakers at theconference includeAdrian Dolby fromBarrington Farm Estatesone of the largestcommercial organicfarms in the UK and fromOrganic Dairy brandGlenisk.A wealth of informationwill be provided in

themed breakoutsessions such as;accessing consumersdirectly, export casestudies, availablesupports to the organicsector and developmentsin the Irish foodservicesector. Lunch will beprepared by Peter Wardfrom Country Choice andAramark and all of thefood will be sourced fromlocal organic producers.An understanding of TheIrish consumer from theFutures Company and apanel discussion willform the basis of theafternoon session.According to Kantarfigures (52 weeks 17th

April 2011) the organicmarket is valued atapprox €97m andshows an increase onthe previous 12months. KeyPerformance Indicatorsshow that more peopleare shopping for organicbut they are buying lessthan previously.Categories showinggrowth include yogurts,vegetables and snackswhile fruit is down.For more detailedinformation or to registerto attend this conferenceplease visitwww.bordbia.ie/NationalOrganicConference

As part of increasing its overallservice to members, LeitrimOrganic Farmers Coop is listingstock for sale with photos whereavailable on its website. Thisprovides opportunities for farmersto sell their stock all year round. Italso provides an opportunity formembers who are not near marts tosell their stock. Each ad can havemultiple photos attached and thisgives potential buyers an

opportunity to see stock beforethey undertake (in some cases) along journey to the seller. Farmerscan also advertise machinery,fodder and other items .Thisservice is in addition to the 6organic sales run in conjunctionwith Drumshanbo Mart whererecord prices were achieved thisspring. To place your ad contactAmanda at the office and simplyemail with photos to

[email protected] or txtthem to 087 2703603, seewww.leitrimorganic.comThe stock will be listed for 30 daysunless otherwise advised. Coopmembers can use this service asoften as they wish throughout theyear. If you are not already amember fill in the form on page 11and return with the fee of €50.

Sell your Stock Online

New Season Organic Lamb at Roscommon Lamb Festival

Page 2: Organic Summer Newsletter 2011 - Leitrim Organic€¦ · Clare 615 Cork 942 Donegal 1,418 Dublin 34 Galway 1,103 Kerry 801 Kildare 47 Kilkenny 146 Laois 160 Leitrim 360 Limerick 248

2 Issue 35 Summer 2011 Organic Producer Organic Producer Summer 2011 Issue 35 11

Application for Associate Membership

Associate Members have access to all Co-op services.

Receive free quarterly Newsletter (Organic Producer)

Can advertise Small Ads free in the newsletter or website

Can sell organic beef, lamb & other produce to the Co-op

Can attend general meetings and contribute to discussions

Can participate in all Co-op activates and training sessions

Are eligible for co-option onto the management committee.An Associate Member does nothold a shareholding and receivesno dividends.The cost of Associate Membershipin 2011 is €50.00 per year.Payment can be made annually bystanding order with your bank.Please request a standing order formfrom the office.

Membership Application FormI wish to become a Member ofLOFC and enclose €50 pleasesend me a standing order form

Name: ……………………………….............Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..................................County: ……………………………….Telephone: …………………………..Email: …………………………………

Organic Status .………………………Producer of …………………………..

Please make cheques payable to:Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op,The Enterprise Centre,Hill Road,Drumshanbo,Co. Leitrim.071 9640868

Thos. F. Tighe,Agri Supplies,

Strokestown,Co. Roscommon.

Tel: 071 96 39040Fax: 071 96 39071Mob: 086 8918883

Organic feedfor Sale

Organic Whole OatsOrganic Wheat Rolled17% Unistock Ration

18% Dairy Nuts

Further discounts forbulk purchases.

For a quote

ContactPat Lalor

at 087 2557679 [email protected]

ORGANIC FOOD REALLY IS BETTER FOR YOU!A study by the Universityof Newcastle School ofAgriculture, Food andRural Developmentreports that fruit andvegetables grownwithout artificialfertilisers havesignificantly more keynutrients, includingvitamin C.

The results of this studyare welcomed by theorganic sector in Ireland.“Nutrition is one of thereasons that people buyorganic said Grace MaherDevelopment Officer withIOFGA, however otherkey reasons include thefact that organic food isfree from pesticides andgm ingredients, it hashigher animal welfarestandards and its

production methods aremore environmentallyfriendly.”

This research challengesthe Food StandardsAgency in the UK whohave in the pastdismissed the nutritionalbenefits of organic food.

The Newcastle scientistsfound that organic fruitand vegetables are up to12% richer in substancescalled secondarymetabolites, these aresaid to boost theimmune system andprotect the body fromcell damaging freeradicals. Organic fruitand vegetables were alsorecorded to have 6%higher levels of vitaminC. The study also

suggests that eatingorganic food is likely toimprove your overallgeneral health as it alsocontains higher levels ofcompounds whichencourage the body toburn fat.

The Newcastle study willbe published in the nextissue of the journalCritical Reviews in PlantSciences.

For more informationplease contact:

Grace Maher,Development OfficerIOFGA,

tel 087 6125989.

Enniskillen’s firstweekly farmers’

market?Markets will operate10am-2pm Saturday

Central Enniskillen LocationIf interested in taking a stall & would likemore information please contact Corrie at:

[email protected] or+44 (0)7788561124

Full Range of OrganicFeeds in Stock Bags orBulk

Caltech Organic FeedBlocks

Seaquim

Page 3: Organic Summer Newsletter 2011 - Leitrim Organic€¦ · Clare 615 Cork 942 Donegal 1,418 Dublin 34 Galway 1,103 Kerry 801 Kildare 47 Kilkenny 146 Laois 160 Leitrim 360 Limerick 248

4 Issue 35 Summer 2011 Organic Producer Organic Producer Summer 2011 Issue 35 9

DrumshanboMart

Autumn Sales

Both cattle & sheep sales

Saturday 17th September

Saturday 22nd October

Saturday 19th November

Farmers Market for 2011Roscommon

Friday 10am - 2pm

SligoSaturday 9am - 1pm

Carrick-on-ShannonThursday 10am - 2pm

BundoranFriday 10am - 2pm

Cavan TownFriday 10am - 2pm

Boyle (King House)Saturday 10am - 2pm

CommunityInternet Facility

available for those inthe organic

sector and others who needit, i.e. students and

the unemployed(for projects and research).

This is a low cost service andis based at

Leitrim Organic Farmer’sEnterprise Centre,

Hill Road ,Drumshanbo,Co Leitrim

If interested, please contact theoffice on 071 9640868.

Rural Social SchemeIt is not just the incomeform Farm Assist that ishelping families across thecountry. Being eligible forFarm Assist, even if it isonly €1, allows you to beeligible for the RuralSocial Scheme. Thisallows farmers to work19.5 hours a week withinthe community in a rolethat fits around their farmschedule.

This could range from theupkeep of the localcommunity centre,cleaning walkways fortourists or contributing to acommunity organisationsuch as a crèche.Not only does it givefarmers additional income,it helps them develop anew skillset and allows formore social interactionwhich can help combat

some of the isolation thatsurrounds farming. Incomederived from the RuralSocial Scheme can amountto a maximum of €208 aweek.However, many areirritated by the fact thatthere has been a freeze onpeople being acceptedonto the Rural SocialScheme in the past year.Gerry Gunning says.

“There are 2,400 RuralSocial Scheme placescurrently available. TheIFA are calling for anadditional 1,600 placesresulting in 4,000 placesoverall across the country.Work is needed incommunities acrossIreland and there arefarmers eager to getinvolved.”

NUMBER OF FARM ASSISTRECIPIENTS PER COUNTY

Carlow 95Cavan 387Clare 615Cork 942Donegal 1,418Dublin 34Galway 1,103Kerry 801Kildare 47Kilkenny 146Laois 160Leitrim 360Limerick 248Longford 238Louth 73Mayo 1,840Meath 70Monaghan 528North-Tipperary 215Offaly 127Roscommon 415Sligo 313South-Tipperary 172Waterford 99Westmeath 177Wexford 230Wicklow 73

Cavan Farmers Market has moved to the old Egg Market in the town from the car park by the Town Hall.As part of the move Neven Maguire will re-launch the market in Friday June 24th. The market takes placefrom 10-2 and carries a full range of organic produce, artisan foods and Fish.For more information contact Paraic McBreen on 049 4331029 or 086 4057600

RE-LAUNCH OF CAVAN FARMERS MARKET

Have you always wanted to have your own organic farm business but don’t havethe land or the money? Now is your chance!

Looking for someone interested in setting up an organic smallholding on a profit share basis. Weprovide the land and any investment in poly tunnels, plants etc. you provide your passion and labour.After costs including labour are taken out, any profit is shared.

We have 12 acres of land and run a busy B&B and outdoor adventure centre on the main road fromKesh to Belleek. We have lots of passing trade during the summer season as we are on main road toBundoranAny produce to be sold at farmers markets or to be established farm/garden/coffee shop on thepremises.

Accommodation provided free of charge in mobile home on site, opportunity to earn money cuttinggrass, hedges etc as well as doing odd jobs around the farm and house until such time as the organicfarm/garden centre is established.

If interested call Anne on 0044 7976374665

Set up Organic Farm/Garden

Prices from Drumshanbo Organic Sale May 2011Av. Wt. Breed Sex Price185 AAX M 420.00270 AA M 710.00445 LMX M 1,100.00240 SI M 630.00405 CHX F 1,075.00370 LM F 980.00440 BBX F 1,120.00280 SIX F 770.00

Page 4: Organic Summer Newsletter 2011 - Leitrim Organic€¦ · Clare 615 Cork 942 Donegal 1,418 Dublin 34 Galway 1,103 Kerry 801 Kildare 47 Kilkenny 146 Laois 160 Leitrim 360 Limerick 248

6 Issue 35 Summer 2011 Organic Producer Organic Producer Summer 2011 Issue 35 7

Organic FarmingOpen Days 2011

June - September

BEEF

OFFALYThursday, 23 JuneSean & Orla Clancy, Tonelmore, Cloghan

MONAGHANThursday, 30 JuneMark Duffy, Bellview, Clogher, Ballybay

LAOISWednesday, 6 JulyEamonn Holohan, Barney, Grogan,Rathdowney

SLIGOFriday, 8 JulyDanny Kilcullen, Seaview House,Enniscrone

CORKWednesday, 20 JulyPat O’Connor, Mullinroe, Clondrohid,Macroom

GALWAYThursday, 21 JulyTeagasc, Mellows Centre, Athenry

MEATHThursday, 18 AugJohn McLoughlin, Moneymore, Trim

LONGFORDMonday, 12 SeptGerry Fitzsimons, Mullahoran, Kilcogy,Cavan Via Longford

DAIRY

LIMERICKThursday, 8 SeptSean Condon, Fanningstown, Crecora

TIPPERARYTuesday, 13 SeptFintan Rice, Everardgrange, Fethard

HORTICULTURE

KILDAREMonday, 27 JuneLiam Ryan, Spratstown, Ballytore

CORKTuesday, 28 JuneColm O’Regan, Ballyregan, Dunderrow,Kinsale

WEXFORDThursday, 14 JulyDesmond & Olivia Thorpe, KnockroeHouse, New Ross

GALWAYThursday, 28 JulyGerard & Sylvia Langan, Ballisnahyna,Ower, Headford

GALWAYWednesday, 7 SeptPadraig Fahy & Una Ní Bhroin,Beechlawn, Ballinasloe

CEREAL

KILDAREWednesday, 29 JuneAlan Mooney, Portgloriam, Kilcock

KILKENNYTuesday, 5 JulyPatrick J Tobin, Main Street, Johnstown

WESTMEATHTuesday, 19 JulyPat Lalor, Ballard Farm, Kilbeggan

PIGS & HORTICULTURE

WICKLOWWednesday, 27 JulyGold River Farm Ltd.,Alan T. Pierce &Mark Winterbotham,Balleshall, Aughrim

All walks will commence at 2pm sharp

Contacts:

Pat Barry Moorepark Mob: 087-2138331 email:[email protected] McDonnell Oak Park Mob: 087-3293820email: [email protected] Clavin Athenry Mob: 087-9368506 email:[email protected] Leavy Grange Mob: 087-9853285 email:[email protected]

National Organic Training Skillnet Courses 2011A list of upcoming courses planned are as follows:

Horticulture Training

Orchard Establishment: The 1 daycourse covers planning an orchard, soiltypes, aspect, variety selection,planting and harvesting. Duration 1day, €50, Organic Centre Leitrim andSeedavers Co Clare dates to bedecided.

Orchard Management: The 1 daycourse covers planning an orchard,pruning and management. Duration 1day, €50, Organic Centre Leitrim andSeedavers Co Clare dates to bedecided.

Soil Biology: 2 day course covering,soil chemistry, compost managementand compost tea making. Dates andvenues to be decided. This course alsorelevant to the Livestock Sector Cost€100.

Livestock Training

Homeopathy for Animals: Thiscourse is an introduction to basicremedies, the essential principles ofhomeopathy, how to select and applyremedies according to the problemsanimals present. Duration 1 day NanoNagle Centre, Mallow Cork &Kilbeggan Co Westmeath dates to beadvised €50

DIY AI Training: 5 day course ontraining to enable farmers to carry outtheir own AI on their home farm. Datesand training options available onrequest, Cost €400

Organic Egg Production: This courseteaches the theory behind organic eggproduction and the challenges andopportunities of small scale productionincluding understanding of breeds,housing and equipment. Duration 1day.Nano Nagle Centre Mallow Co Corkdate to be advised €50.

Organic Pig Production: This courseinstructs on the differences betweenorganic and conventional pigproduction, processing techniques and

impact on land management. Alsobreeds, stock management as well asthe practicalities of costs and potentialincome. Duration 2 days Dundrum CoTipperary 21st May & 11th June Cost€100.

Organic Cereal Production 1 daycourse on organic cereal productioncovering all aspects from sowing toharvesting. Cost €50 Venue KilbegganCo Westmeath, 1st and 8th July

Introduction to Organic BroilerProduction: 1 day course on starting asmall scale Organic Broiler Productionon the farm; in Nano Nagle Centre;Mallow Co Cork and Co Galway Cost€50 dates to be advised

Processing or Adding Value Training

Cheese, Butter and YoghurtMaking: This practical course guidesthe trainees as to how they can produceboth hard and soft cheese, yoghurt andbutter; it also provides the ingredientsfor the participants to make their ownand evaluates their produced items.Duration 3 days: 5th-7th SeptemberTipperary Cost €200;

Meat Butchery Training; 2 daycourse covering demonstration on howlivestock is butchered and packagingand labelling cost €225 in AshtownResearch Centre, Co Dublin (date tbc)

Pig Butchery and Sausage MakingCourse: This course will providedemonstration on how to cut up a pigin a day focussing on the different cuts.The 2nd half of the day will provide apractical understanding of sausagemaking, the methods used to add valueto meat products, which cuts of meatand what ratio of meat can be used andwhat equipment options are available.1 day cost €80; trainees will make theirown sausages dates to be advised.

Pig Curing and Smoking: 1 daycourse on wet and dry curing andsmoking. Cost €80; 18th JuneDundrum, Co Tipperary

Food Hygiene Training; 1 Day or 2half days including exam andcertification, covering 8 modules.Cost: €70

Distance Learning Training

Certificate in Organics (DistanceLearning): This FETAC level 5courses offers a distance learningoption to obtain a Certificate inOrganic Horticulture through thecompletion a choice of modules. Inaddition to the online training there arealso two practical experience days permodule. Duration 1 year commencingSeptember 2011;

MSc PG Dip in Organic Farming:This is a part time on-line distancelearning course in which there are 8taught modules over two years and asubsequent MSc project in a topicrelated to organic farming. Commencesin September 2011; Duration 3 years;Requires a full application process;

Other Training

Intensive Restaurant Cookerycourse: 12 week (60 days) trainingcourse covering area of organiccookery, restaurant and menu planning,commencing September 2011 Cork

Train the Trainer: This course isFETAC level 6 and it provides thepractical knowledge and skills toenable participants to use a systematicapproach to training, assessing,evaluating and mentoring trainees.Duration 3 days Boyle, CoRoscommon and Galway dates to beadvised Cost €190

To book or discuss a training option,Please contact National OrganicTraining Skillnet (NOTS) on0719640688 or 086 1728442 or [email protected] or checkout www.nots.ie for further details

National Organic Training Skillnet will havean information stand at the NationalOrganic Conference on June 14th InLimerick Institute of Technology seewww.bordbia.ie/eventsnews/eventsfor further details.

Page 5: Organic Summer Newsletter 2011 - Leitrim Organic€¦ · Clare 615 Cork 942 Donegal 1,418 Dublin 34 Galway 1,103 Kerry 801 Kildare 47 Kilkenny 146 Laois 160 Leitrim 360 Limerick 248

8 Issue 35 Summer 2011 Organic Producer Organic Producer Summer 2011 Issue 35 5

North and NorthWest Region

Contact DermotSlevin on 086 3839430

An International Forestry CompanyTrading successfully since 1985

Contact us today for free advice and consultation

email: [email protected]

Tel: 0504 42800

Forestry Services Ltd.Carrigeen,Clonoulty,Cashel,Co. Tipperary

Forests required for thinning

?Beef - Sheep - TillageFarming

Land Leasing

New REPS Scheme

Future IncomeQuestionable From:

The Athlone Agri Showcommittee are delighted toannounce a new addition totheir line up this year. The“Made in the Midlands” FoodVillage. There has been muchdemand from visitors and localproducers alike to include afoodie element to theextremely popular annualshow. In response to thisdemand the committee areerecting a Food Village whichwill house stalls displayingproduce from all over theMidlands as well as producefrom local eateries. There willalso be a wide range ofcookery demos coveringeverything from fast food on abudget to healthy kids mealsgiven by local andprofessional chefs.

In addition to the Food Villageand in keeping with the foodtheme, the organisers werekeen to add some fun andinteraction to this year’s showin the form of a Foraging Walkor wander through the weedswhich might describe it better.This will highlight theabundance of free foodgrowing under our noses

which have amazing healthbenefits . Nettles, dandelions,elderflowers, wild garlic andcleavers are just a few. TheForaging Walk given by LisaBrooks through Moydrumwoods will point these out toparticipants and a cookerydemo illustrating how easilythey can be used and enjoyedin everyday meals will followback at the food village tent.

The final element of the Madein the Midlands food part ofthe show asks visitors topartake in two competitions –one for everyone and one forthe butchers – we’ve all heardof brown bread and apple piecompetitions at such shows;well the organisers of the Agrishow were keen to dosomething different this yearto mark the first year of Madein the Midlands so the publichave been asked to create“Quirky Cakes” – therequirements being that thecake must taste delicious butalso be innovative: think Pearand Ginger, Lemon andSummer Berries, Carrot andWalnut, Courgette and LemonCurd (this one has been tried

and tested and is a definitecontender!). Bring your“Quirky Cake” along on theday and the Made in theMidlands judging panel willdecide who wins.

For local butchers there will bea black pudding competition;simply bring yours along madefrom your own secret recipeand let the judging paneldecide who wins.

If you are a local foodproducer producing a highquality product please contactLynda on 087 7927471 or [email protected].

If you are keen to participatein the Foraging Walk, meetLisa at the Food Village tent at2pm on the day.

If you would like to participatein the “Quirky Cakes”competition, just come alongto the “Quirky Cakes stand inthe food village at 3pm on theday or for butchersparticipating in the blackpudding competition, comealong to the black puddingstand at 4pm on the day.

Athlone Agriculture Show 2011 - Sunday June 26th from 10-6pm

Made in the Midlands - Local Food Producers Village

Made in the Midlands Food Village & Cookery demos.

Foraging Walk

Quirky Cake Competition for visitors / black pudding competition for butchers.

New Test of Tail Hair Can Reveal Cattle’s DietIn a development that mayprove valuable in marketinghigh-quality Irish beef,scientists have found tail haircan show if cattle are grass-fed.The researchers at UniversityCollege Dublin and Teagasc,the agriculture and fooddevelopment authority, haveshown that by chemicallyanalysing the tail hair, it is alsopossible to tell if and when agrass diet has been substitutedfor other types of feed over theprevious 12 months.Most Irish cattle are grass-fed.The collaborative studybetween UCD and Teagascresearch centres at Ashtownand Grange used micro-analytical techniques, micro-

array analysis and chemometrictechniques to identifybiomarkers that reflect dietaryand geographical differences inbeef.The techniques used will formthe basis of a traceabilitysystem to authenticate Irishgrass-fed beef.This feeding system is moreacceptable to the consumerfrom an environmental andanimal welfare perspective thanthe more intensive, grain-basedfeedlot systems used incontinental Europe andelsewhere.“We can no longer depend onpaper work alone to traceproduction methods or feedsgiven to farm animals,” said

Prof Frank Monahan fromUCD, the lead author of thestudy. “A tail hair ofapproximately 30cm in lengthcontains over a year’sinformation on the animal’sdiet, with the hair closest to theskin holding clues to the mostrecent diet.”Scientists can identify, almostto the day, when a grass dietwas substituted for cereal orconcentrate.

The findings, published in theJournal of Agricultural andFood Chemistry , show a clearscientific traceability andverification of grasslandproduction.

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Page 6: Organic Summer Newsletter 2011 - Leitrim Organic€¦ · Clare 615 Cork 942 Donegal 1,418 Dublin 34 Galway 1,103 Kerry 801 Kildare 47 Kilkenny 146 Laois 160 Leitrim 360 Limerick 248

10 Issue 35 Summer 2011 Organic Producer Organic Producer Summer 2011 Issue 35 3

Annual Grains Feed the World but they create Perennial problems

Humans made an unwitting butfateful choice 10,000 years agoas we started cultivating wildplants. We chose annuals. Allthe grains that feed billions ofpeople today wheat, rice, corn,and so on-come from annualplants which sprout from seeds,produce new seeds, and dieevery year. “The whole world ismostly perennials” says USDAgeneticist Edward Buckler whostudies corn at CornellUniversity. “So why did wedomesticate annuals?”. Notbecause annuals were better hesays but because Neolithicfarmers rapidly them better-enlarging their seeds forinstance, replanting the onesfrom thriving plants years afteryear. Perennials don’t benefitfrom that kind of selectivebreeding because they don’thave to be replanted.

Their natural advantage becamea handicap. They became theroad, the road not taken. Todayan enthusiastic band ofscientists has gone back to thatfork in the road. They are tryingto breed perennial wheat, riceand other grains. Wes Jacksonco-founder and President of theLand Institute in Salina, Kansas,has promoted the idea fordecades. It has never had muchmoney behind it. But plantbreeders in Salina andelsewhere are now crossingmodern grains with wildperennial relatives. They arealso trying to domesticate thewild plants directly.

Either way the goal is plants thatwould tap the main advantagesof perennials-the deep dense rotsystems that fuel the plants,rebirth each Spring and makesthem so resilient and esourceefficient-without sacrificing too

much of the grain yield, thatmillennia of selection have bredinto annuals. We pay a steepprice for our reliance on highyields and shallow roots, sayssoil scientist and NationalGeographic explorer JerryGlover of the Land Institute.Because annual root cropsmostly only tap into the top footor so of soil, that layer getsdepleted , forcing farmers to relyon large amounts of fertilisers tomaintain high yields. Often onlyhalf the fertilisers in the Midwestgets taken up by the crops,much of washes into the Gulf ofMexico where it fertilises algaeblooms that cause a vast deadzone around the mouth of theMississippi. Annuals alsopromote heavy use of pesticideson tillage because they leave theground bare much of the year.

That allows weeds to invade.Above all leaving the groundbare after harvest, andploughing it in planting seasonerodes the soil. No-till farmingand other conservationmeasures have reduced the rateof soil loss in the US by 40%since the 1980’s, but it’s stillaround 1.7 billion tons per year.“Unless this disease is checkedthe human race will wilt like anyother crop” Jackson wrote 30years ago. As growingpopulations force farmers inpoor countries on to steepererodible slopes the “disease”threatens to get worse.Perennial grains would help withall these problems.

They would keep the groundcovered, reducing erosion andthe need for pesticides, and theirdeep roots would stabilise thesoil and make the grains moresuitable for marginal lands.“Perennials capture water and

nutrients 10 or 12 feet down inthe soil, 11months of the year”Glover says. The deep roots andground cover would also holdonto the fertiliser-reducing thecost to the environment as wellas the farmer. The perennialwheat- wheatgrass now growingat the Land Institute can alreadybe made into flower. Yields aretoo low to compete with annualwheat in Kansas, but maybe notin Nepal, which has steeperslopes and a harsher climate,and where a researcher is nowtesting perennial wheat in smallplots.

Amber waves of perennial grainmay be decades away, but theemergence of cheap DNAsequencing is allowing plantbreeders to work much fasterthan they used to. Buckler thinksthat for a tiny fraction of thebillions spent annually on cornresearch, one could create fieldtestable perennial corn in as littleas 10 years. “I think we shouldtake a shot at revolutionisingagriculture” he says.

(Courtesy National Geographic)

PHYSIOLITH Natural soilconditioner and Litho Physalgspecialist P and PK, calcifiedseaweed fertilisers. Full range ofmineral licks available in stock.Suitable for Certified Organicfarmers and growers. Localagent for Roscommon/Leitrimarea. Contact Pat Towey. Mob:087 9831614. www.timac.com

Castlerea Agriculture Show Bank Holiday Monday 1st AugustCastlerea are hoping to bring a Farmers Market theme to the front area of the show ground. Thisis a very good area to show in because it is the main entrance to the show by foot. The cost perstall can be discussed with each individual stall but it will probably in the region of €20.

Below are the contact detail for those interested in taken part.

Anne 086-3913434 e-mail [email protected]

Edmund 086-3816898 e-mail [email protected]

Over 100,000 objections to green genetic engineeringMore than 100,000 people inGermany have signed thepublic petition organized bythe German Federation of theOrganic Food Industry(BÖLW). “The petition is agreat success for a powerfulmovement and a clear signalto the German government.

It must finally advocate animmediate stop to issuinglicences for geneticallymodified plants at EU levelto effectively preventgrowing them,” says thePresident of BÖLW andpetitioner Felix Prinz zuLöwenstein. Of the approx.

19,000 petitions submitted ina year, an average of onlytwo exceed the threshold of50,000 supporters necessaryfor a public hearing by thePetitions Committee. Thismakes the BÖLW petitionone of the most successfulpetitions ever submitted.

EnniskillenCastle Museums

is hostingA Taste of the Erne Food Festival

on Saturday 25th& Sunday 26th June 2011

between 12pmand 5pm on each day. For stall

bookings contact Bronagh Cleary048 6632 5000 or email

[email protected]

Taste of the Erne Food Festival