OGI Annual Conference
OGI Conference 2026
Cultivating Climate Resilience and Market Growth
Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick
Tuesday 24th November | 9am-4pm | Registration from 8.15am
OGI Members €35 | Non-members €55
Irish organic horticulture is navigating a pivotal era. From unprecedented weather events to shifting growing seasons, building climate resilience into our farms has never been more vital. At the same time, growing consumer interest in organic food presents opportunities for producers to strengthen farm viability, diversify routes to market and explore new market opportunities.
Join speakers Jo Facer (Laurelbank Farm), Adam Beer (Pitney Farm Market Garden), growers, researchers and horticulture sector experts from across Ireland, for a day of practical insights, exploring resilient soil and crop practices, field-tested adaptation tools, commercial development strategies, and much more.
SPEAKERS & PANELLISTS
Jo worked for many years in construction in her home city of London before moving to Northern Ireland to establish Laurelbank Farm, a 7-acre organic smallholding with a thriving CSA scheme at its heart.
Alongside her work on the farm, Jo is an author, teacher, willow weaver, and brewer. In 2023 she co-authored The Edible Flower: A Modern Guide to Growing, Cooking, and Eating Edible Flowers and in 2026 she joined the CSA Network UK Board. She also founded and runs the Growing Academy, a 30-week organic fruit and vegetable growing course based at Laurelbank.
Jo will share Laurelbank’s vision of reconnecting people with the land, nourishing and empowering communities, and explore how global challenges can be tackled on a local scale.
www.laurelbankfarm.org
Adam Beer, Pitney Farm Market Garden
Adam Beer runs Pitney Farm Market Garden with his partner, Rita Oldenbourg. Their 4.5-acre organic market garden in Somerset, England, focuses on soil health and high-yield, ecologically sound production systems. They are both new entrant farmers and were joint winners of the 2024 Young Organic Grower of the Year.
Adam is passionate about innovating and creating ecologically sound productive systems which build soil health and resilience, whilst growing high yields of quality produce.
He will bring his insight on managing the practicalities and challenges of growing market garden operation under increasing climate challenges to this year’s OGI Conference.
instagram.com/pitneyfarmmarketgarden/
You can find out more about Adam and Rita on this 2024 podcast from the Organic Growers Alliance.
Tools & Tech Panel
One of the most talked-about sessions at last year’s conference!
Join our panel of growers as they reveal their favourite technology and tools, from high to low tech, and explain how they have boosted growing efficiency.
Featuring Damian Regan (Glasraí Organic Farm), Reuben Cope (Shankill Organic Farm) Colm Ó Nuanáin (Dripsey Castle Estate) and Jo Facer.
Expect honest, practical insights on what’s worth the investment, what’s saved them time, and what you could put to work on your own holding.
Cultivating Market Growth Panel
Meeting Demand for Irish Organic Vegetables
Consumer demand for organic produce is growing, and with it comes real opportunity for Irish growers.
Our panel will explore how Irish growers can seize the opportunity, and meet the challenges brought by rising demand. With Grace Maher, Trevor Harris (Donadea Organic Farm), Padraig Fahy (Beechlawn Organic Farm), Horticultural Advisor John Hogan and OGI’s Barry Mac Devitt.
OGI Commercial Development Coordinator Barry Mac Devitt will also showcase recent work by Organic Growers Ireland to open up new routes to market for organic growers.
Solutions for a Changing Climate Panel
Organic growers are on the front line of a changing climate, from wetter winters and unpredictable springs to summer drought and increasing storms.
Our panel will discuss the practical challenges growers are facing and the strategies that are working – from soil management and crop selection to water use – to build farm resilience.
With Adam Beer, Hilda Crampton (Castleruddery Organic Farm), Dr Aisling Reilly (UCD) and Jenny McNally (McNally Family Farm).
Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, Jayne Arnold is unfortunately no longer able to present at OGI Conference 2026. We hope to be able to welcome Jayne to another OGI event in the near future.
Check back again soon for the full schedule.
THE VENUE
Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick
OGI Conference 2026 takes place at Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, set in 44 acres of grounds just outside Adare, Co. Limerick. The hotel is sits within a working certified organic farm and Mary’s Organic Garden, set within the hotel’s grounds, supplies the kitchen with seasonal organic produce.
If you’re planning to stay over, delegate rates are available at the Woodlands House Hotel for Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th November:
– Single room, B&B: €130 per night
– Double room, B&B: €140 per night
Book direct at www.woodlands-hotel.ie and mention that you’re attending the OGI Conference to get the rate.
