Meeting to "discuss the future of agriculture and land use" in Carrick this Sunday

Talamh Beo, a member-led organisation of farmers, growers and land-based workers organising for change in food and agriculture systems, are to host an event at the Landmark Hotel Carrick on Shannon this Sunday where farmers and citizens from across Ireland will come together to discuss the future of agriculture and land use in Ireland.

The event will explore the local to the global, as well as agroecology - an integrated approach that applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems. 

The forum will host a panel of farmers and invited speakers and will also encourage attendees to participate in round table discussions. Speakers include:

Bridget Murphy – Agroecology in Action : With over 30 years experience working on the ground with farmers around livelihoods, land use and agrarian reform, Bridget brings a ground-based approach to areas of research and policy. Agrarian reform includes transitioning from the current model, which is focused on industry and competitive growth, to an agro-ecological model that delivers for land, people and community. Bridget is the Project Manager for the Talamh Beo Soil Biodiversity Literacy and Enhancement EIP Project. She also farms 125 acres in Dromard, County Sligo.

Fergal Anderson – Food Sovereignty and Global Trade : Fergal worked in Brussels for La Via Campesina before returning to Ireland 12 years ago to establish a farm in east Galway with his partner, Emanuela Russo. The couple supply vegetables and fruits to local restaurants and manage a mixed-species woodland. A long-time campaigner for Food Sovereignty, Fergal is committed to helping transform our food systems for the better.

Janet Power – Local Food Systems : For the past seven years, Janet has been co-running an organic market on a half-acre plot in County Carlow, with her partner Jenny Watkins. She previously served as a board member of the Irish Organic Association and is currently undertaking an MSc. in Organic Agriculture. Janet is a passionate advocate of agroecology and local food.

John Brennan –  Farming and Agribusiness in Ireland : John has managed Leitrim Organic Farmers Coop since 2001 and has farmed Irish Moiled Cattle and sheep in Roscommon since 1998. He is Chairman of the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) and the Irish Native Rare Breeds Society (INRBS). An organic advisor and general farm advisor John’s hope is for a new path for agriculture in Ireland – one that will be led by agroecology and that will ensure that those who wish to farm can do so through the tenets of Food Sovereignty.

John Brennan of Talamh Beo and the Leitrim Organic Farmers COOP said: “Farmers all over Ireland are ready to meet the challenges we face, and many are tired of being manipulated by agribusinesses, industrial lobbies and poor government policies. We are well equipped for the transition, we just need the supports and the changes to happen in the right way for farmers” says 

Register for free tickets at eventbrite.ie (search TalamhBeo Conference 2023).