This week on Organic Matters, we have Part 2 of a special two-part episode for farmers interested in converting to organic farming. The episode looks further at what is involved in becoming organically certified, with Matthew McInerney from the Irish Organic Association’s certification team.

Matthew discusses animal housing rules under organics and how farmers can adapt or update additional housing to comply with them. He also covers the inspection process and record-keeping as well as other issues.

Don’t forget you can listen back to Part 1 of this episode here: https://bit.ly/491gHD6

This week on Organic Matters, we have Part 1 of a special two-part episode for farmers interested in converting to organics. The episode takes a step-by-step approach on how to become organically certified, with Shauna Ryan from the Irish Organic Association’s certification team.

Shauna discusses some of the frequently asked questions farmers may have about what kind of paperwork to expect and the process on how to apply to become organically certified.

Don’t forget to tune into Part 2 bit.ly/3M6UKIQ, which looks at what to anticipate from inspections as well as issues related to animal housing.

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Padraig Brennan, chairperson of the Organic Strategy Forum – Ireland’s National Organic Strategy Group. He speaks about the Organic Trading Hub recently launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to facilitate the buying and selling of organic livestock, feedstuff and farm supplies amongst organic farmers nationwide.

Padraig also talks about Ireland’s Strategy to develop its organic sector and take advantage of the long-term demand for organic food and other ingredients in Ireland and Europe.

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Michael Boyle Managing Director and Geraldine Ward Business Manager of the Donegal Seaweed. The company is based in Dungloe, on the east coast of Donegal and harvests and processes seaweed into organic fertiliser which is sold to customers in Ireland, Europe and further afield.

They tell the story of how the family business was established and why they choose to produce organically certified seaweed fertiliser products for farmers, landscapers and gardeners.

This week on Organic Matters, we speak with tillage farmer Gavin Tully from Camolin, Co. Wexford. Gavin tells people thinking about converting to organics not to worry about "what the neighbour thinks".

He says that becoming organic has added value to his business and discusses selling potatoes and animal feed direct to customers from his 100-acre farm.

He also talks about selecting crop varieties that suit your farm, cover crops, weed control and other challenges and opportunities facing organic tillage farmers.

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to the Managing Director of Glenisk, Vincent Cleary. Vincent speaks about the humble beginnings of the now international brand and why organics will always be an integral part of the business.

Following on from a fire that devastated their production facility several years ago, Vincent discusses the opportunity it presented to innovate and develop carbon neutral packaging.

He also touches on future plans for Glenisk and supporting organic dairy farmers.

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Kevin Scully from the Merry Mill in Co. Laois. Kevin was a part-time farmer with beef cattle who grew organic oats as animal feed until his "light bulb" moment when he realised he could sell oats to Irish consumers instead. Fast forward seven years and Kevin and members of his family now work full-time on their farm processing organic oats for the Merry Mill. They market their organic oats both nationally and internationally.

September 23rd marks EU Organic Day, an annual event, designed to raise awareness about organics in Ireland and Europe. The Day coincides with the prestigious EU Organic Awards and this year the Merry Mill is a nominee. Presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan speaks to Kevin about what it means to him and his family as well as Gillian Westbrook, CEO of the Irish Organic Association. We Wish the Merry Mill the very best!

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Tony Grogan on his farm in the Glen of Aherlow, Co. Tipperary. Tony is a full-time organic suckler farmer, having previously been in intensive pig production. Tony gives his tips on liming land and breeding pedigree animals. He also talks about the importance of rewarding organic farmers who want to deliver additional benefits for the environment.

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Mary Fitzgerald and her head gardener Caoimhín Brosnan at the Woodlands House Hotel in Co Limerick. The pair discuss how they designed and created an organic garden and the role the garden plays in supplying food to the hotel. Mary also discusses her plans to have at least one fully organic meal on their menu by the end of this year.

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to Padraig Dunleavy. Padraig is a beef finisher and tillage farmer in Co Galway with an obsession with high quality manure and soil health. He speaks to presenter Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about how he tends his farmyard manure and his farm business.