During the pandemic the source of our food became increasingly important, particularly when we struggled to get it. One way to improve food security is to build relationships with local food producers, and in particular those producing in a more sustainable way? Whether it’s meat, dairy or eggs there is pretty much a producer in every county. To find one in your area check out my list of Irish-based producers of organic & free range animal products below.
Sustainable living is a lot easier when you know where to get things. If you want to buy fresh, organic (or naturally) grown fruit and veg, in Ireland, here’s a list of 30+ organic fruit and veg growers in Ireland.
Nothing mentioned in this article has been sponsored. It’s all just my own personal opinion. If you like your sources to remain independent then please;
Waste is a symptom of our food system. While it’s more profitable to fly or ship mangetout from Kenya or blueberries for Argentina we’re going to have to deal with packaging, air miles and food waste.
Buying as much locally grown, seasonal organic produce as you can is the best way, in the long term, to move our society towards a sustainable food systems. One that we can directly influence in terms of farming methods, packaging and food waste.
Just a quick note ….. Before we get into the list suppliers I should point out that in my experience a lot of Irish farmers supplement their offering with imported fruit and veg. I don’t have an issue with this as I assume the farmer will offer their produce before an imported version, but it’s not harm to check the origin of what you’re buying.
Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms. – Laois, wild and exotic organic mushrooms grown on wooden blocks made from trees sourced from sustainably managed forests.
If you don’t see a farmer in your area check out the website Foodture. It’s a great place to start connecting with fair food producers in your area.
Where to buy organic fruit & veg in Ireland
Buy Online
Some of these farmers have an online store where you can order exactly what you want and have it delivered to you.
If you’re in Dublin city check out myshuppa.com. Although they don’t disclose their list of suppliers on their website they prioritise locally produced food.
There are also some independent veg box schemes in some areas. Here are a few I came across
In Cavan The Local Green Box offers a host of local food products for collection.
If you’re in Cork Organic Republic offer a stand-alone fruit & veg box scheme, although they don’t mention if it’s locally sourced.
Harvest Day deliver seasonal local fruit and veg in Dublin, North Wicklow, parts of Meath and Kildare.
Farmers Markets
You’ll also be able to find local farmers at farmers markets throughout the country. To find one local to you check out this useful list of farmers markets in Ireland , or thefarmersmarket.ie.
Greengrocers etc
You may well be able to find locally grown seasonal produce in your local greengrocer, health-food shop or zero waste store. You can find your nearest one on my Eco Map
CSA
Another way to buy is via Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). With CSA farms you’re not just buying from the producer/s you’re partnering with them and the emphasis is much more on local food systems. Another difference is that members take more of an active role in meeting the grower, discussing options, and possibly visiting the farm to help out as the scheme develops. I’ve identified CSA farms on the list below.
Crowdfarming
This is similar to the CSA schemes, but operates on an international level. Visit the Crowdfarming website to connect with and support farmers by adopting a farmer, animal or tree, which you in turn receive the produce from.
So now you’ve no excuse not to fill your plate, and belly, with lots of delicious, healthy, locally grown, seasonal fruit and veg!
Travel is a tricky issue for the sustainably-minded. Really no form of travel is as sustainable as staying put, but where’s the fun in that? Plus travelling can help us understand other ways of life and points of view, hopefully preventing wars and prejudice. So this article isn’t intended to encourage you to travel more, it simple highlights better options for accommodation if you’re travelling to and in Europe.
If you’re going further afield check out my guide to Sustainable Ethical Accommodation in;
Most of us don’t really think about what paint is and yet we cover practically every inch of our homes in it. In this article we look at the downside to standard paints and list the eco paint brands available in Ireland and the UK. Some are quite expensive but others compare very favourably with brands you’d buy in your large DIY stores.