Oliver Moore: Organic from Gort to Gothenburg
This work placement will involve a minimum of 30 hours a week work over a six month period on a well-established organic horticultural farm.
Participants will be employed by the farms directly, and will be supported by a formal training programme
One of the success stories of this OGI apprentice scheme is Galway’s Catherine Hayes.
“While living in Sweden, I was offered a job back home in Ireland,” the Gort native told me. “This job unexpectedly fell through, so I had to think long and hard about what to do.”
In Sweden, she was a biologist, educated to PhD level, specialising in data analysis.
She also got involved with the Irish community, playing traditional music and joining the local GAA club in Gothenburg.
A fellow scientist, musician and footballer was environmental engineer Eoin Ó Broin.
Ó Broin told her about Beechlawn organic farm in Ballinasloe — 40 minutes from the dairy farm Catherine Hayes grew up on — and its apprentice scheme.
“Eoin’s sister is Úna — wife of Pádraig Fahy, and the two of them run Beechlawn organic farm,” recalls Hayes.
“I loved my work, it was very specialised, but I had to decide whether to stay in Sweden or come home.”
And so, another chapter in the suprisingly very small world of the Irish diaspora — emigration and, sometimes, return — is completed.
I asked her about science and organics — there is something of a cliché out there that organic isn’t really quite as scientific as standard farming.
“I disagree,” she says firmly. “If anything its more scientific — or, certainly, at least as scientific. I’m quite analytical and if find that organic answers that analytical side in me.
“I went to organic conference in Bristol in January. Now, I’ve been to lots of scientific conferences in my career.
"I found it amazing that there was lots of research presented, and the farmers was there listening — they were able to apply the knowledge immediately. Often where you hear something at a scientific conference, it takes years to filter down.”
How did she find the apprenticeship?
“I found it great. I started early June, and from the start ,they were really supportive, great for answering questions, and for introducing me to useful people in the sector.”
She continues: “We did farm walks every two or three weeks over season — we all visited the other farms in the scheme. We also did a course in organic standards and principles, studying with Mary Lynch at the organic college.”
Completing the scheme at Beechlawn, she went into full time employment afterwards.
As she wanted to start her own enterprise, Hayes gradually reduced the number of days per week down from five to three. Last November, when she finished working there and decided to dedicate her time to her own place.
Hayes now grows on half an acre on the home farm. She has a pair of polytunnels, 20x64 and 6x20. “It’s great having the family farm’s equipment and infrastructure — the tractor, plough, electricity and water supply — to work with,” she adds.
And now, this veg is for sale at her stall at the Gort market each week.
“The first week was scary — I know I could grow, but what if no one came? I’d be home with my tail between my legs.
Friends and family were very supportive though, its gone very well since then too. Facebook is great for getting the word out.”
“I’ve learned lots doing the market. Gort is traditionally a market town, so people are happy to see some food stalls return.”
Application forms, farm profiles and other details are available to download at:
n www.organicgrowersireland.ie
