It was encouraging to see organic horticulture finally gain greater prominence across the five days. Bord Bia’s ‘Nature in Balance’ organic Show Garden returned for a second year, bringing the story of organic farming to life through talks, demonstrations and activities throughout the weekend, all focused on biodiversity, soil health and organic growing.

OGI General Manager, Kitty Scully, joined grower Kenneth Keavney of Green Earth Organics on Saturday morning to discuss biodiversity in an organic food production context. Kitty later appeared alongside OGI Board Member Colm O Driscoll on the Horticulture for Life Stage, chatting with growers who shared perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the organic and conventional horticulture sector. With many key horticultural organisations, support agencies and DAFM stands also located within the Horticulture for Life area, Bloom provided an important opportunity to engage not only with the public but also directly with policymakers, growers and others working across Irish horticulture.

Meanwhile, the Eat Well Garden featured a strong line-up of experts from the organic and food-growing world, including Jim Cronin, Klaus Laitenberger, Mary Lynch, William Deasy and the Irish Seed Savers Association, with practical talks and demonstrations helping to showcase the diversity, knowledge and growing momentum within the organic sector. And if that wasn’t enough OGI for one day, Kitty also spoke on the Eat Well Stage about careers within organic horticulture, available supports and pathways into the sector.

It was great to have the opportunity to connect with so many other growers, educators and organic voices across the events and discussions on offer. Thanks also to everyone who stopped by for a chat or asked a question over the weekend.

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