Louth farmers explore tillage opportunities at Flahavan's conference
Louth farmers attend Flahavan's Organic Oat Growers Conference in Portlaoise where new opportunities for Irish tillage through research and collaboration are explored
Farmers from Louth were among those who were given an insight into new research into oat varieties, advances in crop management and opportunities for greater collaboration across Irish agriculture, topics which were among the key themes at Flahavan’s annual Organic Oat Growers Conference, held at the Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise, on Tuesday 20 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 says it 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.
Johnny Flahavan, Head of Operations at Flahavan’s, said: “Our growers are central to the success of our organic oat business, but many of the challenges and opportunities we face are shared right across Irish tillage and agriculture.
“We see real value in bringing farmers, researchers, advisers and industry together to share knowledge and practical innovation. Whether that's improving crop performance, developing more effective weed management techniques or identifying new markets, there is a wider opportunity for Irish agriculture to benefit from this work.
“Our ambition for this conference is not simply to discuss the market for organic oats, but to help facilitate the conversations and connections that can strengthen the wider sector.”
Research and innovation with wider agricultural applications
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.
Dr McCabe said: “Through the DAFM-funded HOPE project and the EU INTERREG-funded HealthyOat project, we have identified a diverse range of oat varieties with the potential to offer benefits for human health while reducing environmental impact. This research points to exciting opportunities for the future of oat production.”
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.
Martin Bourke said: “As part of the Organic Tillage & Vegetables EIP project, our spring oat trials show the real potential of combining blind weeding with a carefully timed post-emergence pass.
“By tackling weeds early, when they are small and vulnerable, we were able to make the follow-up harrowing much less aggressive while achieving more than 90% weed removal.
“It’s an encouraging result for organic growers, demonstrating how the timing and combination of mechanical weed control operations can help improve weed management and support more sustainable oat production.”
Developing markets and stronger connections across agriculture
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.
Recognising Irish 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, brought together representatives from across the sector, including Angus Woods; Julian Pawlowski of OBLIG; Jennifer Byrne of Teagasc; Barry Murphy of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; organic growers Pat O’Connor and Amanda Galvin; Tim O’Donovan of Seedtech; and Martin Bourke of Teagasc.
Annie Flahavan, Johnny Flahavan and James Flahavan also provided updates on the organic oat market, Flahavan’s sustainability priorities and ongoing initiatives to improve quality, strengthen grower relationships and secure long-term supply.
James Flahavan, Sales Director at Flahavan’s, said: “The growth in demand for Irish organic oats has been built on strong relationships with our growers and a shared commitment to quality.
“Our annual conference is an opportunity not only to recognise that contribution, but also to look ahead. By bringing together expertise from farming, research and industry, we can share ideas and support the development of a stronger and more sustainable future for Irish-grown cereals.”