New research into oat varieties, advances in crop management and opportunities for greater collaboration across Irish agriculture were among the key themes at Flahavan’s recent annual Organic Oat Growers Conference, held at the Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise, on Tuesday, 20th October.
The event brought together organic oat growers, farmers considering conversion, researchers, agricultural advisers, government representatives and industry stakeholders to explore how innovation, investment and cooperation can support a more commercially resilient Irish tillage sector.
Flahavan’s, which has experienced a five-fold increase in demand for its organic oats since 2010, driven particularly by export growth in the UK, used the occasion to encourage discussion on opportunities extending beyond organic oats to the wider tillage and agricultural sectors.
Research into oat varieties featured prominently, with Dr Cathal McCabe of University College Dublin outlining advances through the DAFM-funded HOPE project and EU INTERREG-funded HealthyOat project.
Practical innovation in crop management was another major theme, with Martin Bourke, Organic Tillage Specialist with Teagasc, sharing findings from the Organic Tillage & Vegetables European Innovation Partnership (OTV EIP) project.
The project is evaluating more effective approaches to mechanical weed control, alongside opportunities for precision technologies, machinery sharing and improved crop establishment.
DEVELOPING MARKETS AND STRONGER CONNECTIONS
The conference also explored the importance of developing reliable commercial outlets for the range of crops grown within organic tillage rotations, as well as opportunities to strengthen connections between tillage and livestock farming.
One potential area discussed was the development of dedicated organic feed milling capacity in Ireland, which could provide additional markets for domestically grown cereals while supporting demand for Irish-produced organic livestock feed.
Delegates also considered the implications of the Organic Farming Scheme not reopening to new applicants in 2026, the potential role of the Organic Processing Investment Grant in supporting future investment, and the work of the Organic Beef and Lamb Industry Group (OBLIG) in encouraging greater collaboration between livestock and tillage enterprises.
ORGANIC GROWERS
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Flahavan’s Organic Oat Grower of the Year Award 2026 to Angus Woods from Co. Wicklow, recognising his commitment to producing high-quality organic oats. The award acknowledged the dedication and expertise of Irish growers, particularly following a challenging 2026 harvest.
Panel discussions, facilitated by John Geraghty of South East Technological University, also brought together representatives from across the sector.
