The OGI annual conference, held every November, is always a real highlight of the year and this year more than ever. OGI Coordinator Una Wycherley reports on a fantastic day at Killruddery.
On November 26th, 2024, we hosted a sold-out conference at the stunning Killruddery Co. Wicklow. The gorgeous venue set the stage for an incredible day, complemented by a menu featuring Killruddery lamb and seasonal vegetables grown on the estate.
The day was packed with insights and inspiration from a lineup of excellent speakers, including Minister Pippa Hackett, who opened the conference with an inspiring address, highlighting the importance of local food systems and organic practices. Alice Rixon, also known as “The Veg Lady,” inspired with her vegetable and business journey so far, John McCormick from Helen’s Bay Organics, brought his perspective as a grower with a lifetime of experience in horticulture and headline speaker Ben Raskin, shared his expertise in agroforestry. Throughout the day OGI representatives and past interns shared experience showcasing the potential of collaboration and mentorship within the organic sector.
Paula Pender presented the findings of recently published research into organic seed in Ireland. You can download this important report in our Resources area here. Representatives from OOOOBY, an innovative e-commerce platform supporting local food systems, closed the information packed day. We’ll be running a webinar led by Pete and Seb from OOOOBY at 7.30pm on the 14th January 2025. You can register/watch back here. The atmosphere was also enhanced by the numerous trade stands showcasing the best of the Irish organic sector, creating a hub of networking and collaboration.
This event brought together the Organic Growers of Ireland’s wonderful community of growers and experts, creating a day filled with connections, inspiration, and a celebration of a remarkable year in organic horticulture across Ireland. Reflecting on the day’s highlights and some of the enthusiastic feedback from attendees, it’s clear this event was not only a celebration of organic farming but a powerful testament to the talent and dedication in our growers community. It also sparked exciting conversations and ideas for the year ahead, with plans already taking shape for 2025’s annual programme of events.
Thanks to all who joined us for this amazing day, to our exhibitors, the team at National Organic Training Skillnet for their support and technical expertise that kept everything running so well on the day, to the team at Killruddery & the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their ongoing support.