Are you thinking of going organic?
Wherever I go, one question that people regularly ask is “how do I get started in organics?”. With such a growing interest (no pun intended!) in organics we thought it would be a good idea to gather together a list of useful contacts and sites where more information is available. This page will, hopefully, be your ideal starting point.
Home grower:
If you are thinking of starting your own organic vegetable plot or small garden for family use (i.e. not particularly commercial) then start by checking out the following:
COMING SOON: check back here to see my new website where I will demonstrate how to start and maintain your own kitchen garden…launching February 2009.
The Organic Centre, based in Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, offer advice and training in various parts of the country. You can call them on (071) 985 4338.
The Irish Seed Saver Association, Scariff, Co. Clare, also offer advice and training, including courses on starting your own organic garden. Their telephone number is (061) 921856.
Sonairte, in Laytown, Co. Meath, offer courses on various aspects of organic gardening and food. Check here for details or call them on (041) 982 7572.
There are plenty of other sources of information on the web and elsewhere.
Farmer / Commercial:
If you are already farming and considering switching, even partially, to organics then your ideal starting point is your local Teagasc advisor.
You will get a lot more pointers and details of any support schemes available on my department’s web site here.
Other organisations supproting organic farming include:
- The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA): 043 42495 www.iofga.org
- Organic Trust: 01 853 0271 www.organic-trust.org
Here’s a list of the regional Teagasc advisors. More details on Teagasc.ie. You can telephone the Teagasc Head Office on 059 917 0200.
| Name & Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Pat BarryTeagasc Moorepark Fermoy Co Cork | Tel. 025 42222Mobile 087 2138331 |
| Elaine LeavyTeagasc Grange Co Meath | Tel: 046 9361100Mobile: 087 9853285 |
| James Mc DonnellTeagasc Oakpark Co Carlow | Tel: 059 9170200Mobile 087 3293820 |
| Dan ClavinTeagasc Athenry Co Galway | Tel: 091 845845Mobile 087 9368506 |
Buying and using seasonal produce:
Eat the Seasons website www.eattheseasons.co.uk, provides an excellent guide to what is in season right now, how to select the best and how to prepare it. They even have some great recipe ideas.
Bord Bia have an excellent guide to what’s in season throughout the year. You ‘ll find all the details on their website here. Below we reproduce a part of their guide:
Chart courtesy of Bord Bia.
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