Kildare to feature on RTE show about growing food

Kildare is to feature in the forthcoming episode of Food Matters series on RTE, which is presented by Michael Kelly of GIY.

In programme four, with a ‘Support Local’ message, Michael Kelly meets Meath cabbage grower Cathal Lenehan who over the last year has decided to give up his business because of rising costs. 

He also chats with former IFA chair of the horticulture sector and broccoli producer Paul Brophy in Kildare, about the challenges for the commercial vegetable growers in the face of rising input costs, and ever stiffer competition from cheaper imports.

Michael then heads to Kerry where he meets independent vegetable retailer Dan Horan to discuss the difficulties faced by smaller, independent retailers, to stay viable at a time when vegetables are cheaper than ever.

In Wicklow, Michael discovers how Wicklow Wolf Brewery co-founders Quincey Fennelly and Simon Lynch have managed to put sustainability at the core of their drinks business with the support of their local community. 

Heading to Tipperary, Michael learns how one entire community is all about supporting each other, at the Cloughjordan Community Farm. 

Back at GROW HQ in Waterford, Michael meets Jack Crotty and Joleen Cronin from NeighbourFood and talks about how connecting small producers with a wider customer base makes it a win-win for all.

FOOD MATTERS is produced by David Hare of InProductionTV and Scéal Creative for RTE, and supported by the EPA Stop Food Waste and ReThink Ireland campaign