âConverting to Organic made simple at Dromcollogherâ
To a full house at the Organic College, Dromcollogher, Ms Mary Lynch described the process of converting from conventional farming to Organic.
The key said Ms. Lynch is good Management and the use of clover. Outlining the gains in reduced costs and increased grant aid Ms. Lynch, herself a farmer and REPS Planner said that the Organic way of production was for a growing and stable market across Europe.
Chemical Farming she said was bringing increasing pressure on the stock, the environment and the farmers themselves. With a modest reduction in stocking rate and following a 2 year conversion period a farm could be producing to full organic symbol standard.
To former poultry farmers, she said most houses were adaptable for the organic system. Organic she explained had high standards of animal welfare, but REPS Farmers were already familiar with standards and the better the animal welfare the less the disease and vets bills.
Padraig Fahy Chairperson of IOFGA and a field vegetable grower in Ballinasloe described the satisfaction of making a living from producing and selling vegetables directly to consumers.
The increased awareness of food quality he said was a sign of maturity and health awareness that provided new opportunities for growers and for the craft of farming. Describing his learning experiences as a student in Dromcollogher he said the Diploma Course provided a very solid foundation for the growing and business skills needed to establish a successful enterprise.
The Organic Movement he said was still small in Ireland and needs the support of Government of Consumers and of young people to give its life, commitment and expertise.
Padraigâs enterprise includes salad crop and the main field vegetables potatoes, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, peas and beans. Selling in three markets in Ballinsloe, Athlone and Loughrea provides employment for two full-time workers and there are plans to employ a third person. The Meeting involved a lively discussion on organic food and health with a spirited contribution from Ms Marion Hartnett, environment program of West Limerick 102.