Farm Walk & Focus Session at Manna Organic Farm
Agroecology as a systems approach to food production and the environment.
Our final farm walk of 2024 took place at Manna Organic Farm in Co. Kerry, where Thomas & Claire O’Connor grow and raise their farm produce using biodynamic, permaculture and agroforestry systems.
It truly was an inspirational and thought provoking day in Gleann na nGealt (which translates to Valley of the Mad or Valley or Valley of the Illuminated) and we certainly all left with more questions than answers as Thomas predicted.
Starting out with 4 empty fields of mostly north facing slope, Manna Farm’s certified organic agroecological mixed farm enterprise has been evolving over the last 17 years. From shelterbelts, woodchip composting, permaculture design approach, agroforestry, orchards, native woodland establishment, air pruning, short food supply chains and much, much more, it was mind blowing to see what can be achieved when deep systems thinking, determination and hard work are combined.
It was the perfect day to round up this year’s OGI Network farmer led knowledge transfer events in the field. Big shout out to Thomas and Claire for the warm welcome, and to all those that attended our final OGI Network Farm Walk & Focus sessions this year.
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