Our 2023 Annual Conference took place on Tuesday, November 28th at the Tullamore Court Hotel. We were delighted to welcome around 120 delegates to Tullamore for a fantastic day of knowledge sharing, inspiration and connection.
The conference opened with a quick update from the OGI, first from chairman Noel Clinton, then OGI Network coordinator Kitty Scully brought us through the network’s busy year of Farm Walks and Information sessions across the country. We then heard from Gerald Hally, about his career pivot from financial services to organic horticulture through the OGI internship programme.
The first of our expert speakers was Ashley Wheeler from Trill Farm Garden in Devon, who shared his journey to becoming an organic grower and the many trials, triumphs (sometimes unexpected!) and learnings along the way. Ashley spoke about how Trill Farm continues to change and diversify, as well as the importance of being true to your values and personal preferences, finding time for family and work/life balance.
Jan-Hendrik Cropp from Undercover Consultancy, Germany led two detailed sessions on the no-till and mulching systems that he has been developing with his colleagues in Germany for more than 15 years. He spoke on the advantages and disadvantages of the systems in terms of soil protection, fertility, adaptability and more and how they might be applied here in Ireland, with lots of interesting questions in the Q&A session that followed!
After lunch we heard from Brian MacCarthy from Cork Rooftop Garden about a fascinating new project, the Cork Food Hub. We look forward to hearing more about this groundbreaking initiative! Our OGI Work Placement Coordinator Rónán announced the launch of our rebranded 2024 OGI Work Placement Programme (previously OGI Internship Programme). More about that later in the newsletter!
Our final speaker was legendary Irish grower and educator, Jim Cronin. In his own inimitable style Jim spoke about the getting your formula, model and mission statement right, supported by the right gear (‘we’re not waterproof’), equipment, knowledge and data, to ensure a successful business and most importantly a good life – minding your physical, mental and emotional health along the way. You can watch the beautiful film Jim showed about his life in organic horticulture below.
A Farm Out West (2023) Oisin McKeogh
We were delighted to be joined by Minister Pippa Hackett who gave the closing statement, rounding up a really brilliant day. Thanks to all who came along, to our exhibitors, the National Organic Training Skillnet team for organizing everything so well on the day & the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their support.