Major regional roadshow to grow Ireland’s livestock sector hits Donegal 

Ireland’s organic farming community is set to take centre stage this autumn with the launch of a specialist regional organic roadshow.

The ‘Growing Prospects for Organic Livestock’ roadshow will take place on Wednesday, October 15 from  6pm to 9pm  in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town.

The meeting aims to inform current and potential organic farmers on the market demand for organic beef and lamb, outlets for organic stock, and the positive financial performance of organic livestock farming.

Two local farmers involved in the campaign are Christopher McCaffrey, from Ballyshannon in Donegal, and John Hamilton, St Johnston. Christopher farms a 400-acre suckler-to-beef farm outside Ballyshannon in south Donegal with 220 head of organic cattle. He has been organically farming for 9 years; before that, it was a large-scale beef enterprise.

John Hamilton is a mixed enterprise organic farmer, with an additional out-farm in Newtowncunningham. His journey into organic farming began in 2009, and by 2011, the farm had achieved full organic status. All the land farmed is owned by John, with no leased land, and his system includes three key enterprises: suckler cattle, sheep, and tillage.

“Organic livestock is not just about farming differently — it’s about farming for the future,” said Padraig Brennan, Chairperson of the Organic Strategy Forum.

“We want to show farmers that income from organic systems compares favourably. The market for organic meat continues to grow, with processors currently unable to source sufficient animals to meet demand. The series of four regional roadshows will inform and educate interested farmers and help to grow the sector.”

The organic livestock sector in Ireland is the largest and fastest-growing segment of organic farming, with cattle and sheep production being the most common enterprises, accounting for over 80% of new entrants over the last three years to reach around 4,000 farmers. This growth is supported by government investment and programs like the Organic Farming Scheme, with a national target to have 10 per cent  of land farmed organically by 2030.

Teagasc reports a substantial shortage of finished organic livestock, reflecting fragmented production and the sale of organic animals into conventional markets.

The Roadshow will bring together farmers and processors to explore how Ireland can expand its organic livestock sector, meet growing consumer demand, and strengthen rural communities.

Tara Bane, Organic Sector Manager with Bord Bia, said: “Organic beef and lamb present a valuable growth opportunity for Irish farming, meeting growing consumer demand for food produced with a focus on sustainability, high animal welfare, and natural production methods. These events will help farmers explore the potential of organic farming and raise awareness of the market opportunities available.”

To register to attend this event, please visit: https://nots.ie/events/growing-prospects-organic-livestock/