Husband-and-wife team Padraig Fahy and Una Ní Bhroin run their renowned National Organic Demonstration Farm in a very open, visitor-friendly way and hold courses and farm walks several times a year; although mainly geared towards other growers, group visits for about 25 people can be arranged at any time.
Having built up the size of the farm the number of polytunnels and the means of production (both mechanical and human resources) systematically since they started production in 2002, they are now able to produce a wide range of crops for retail and for direct supply to restaurants and hotels.
Now with about 45 acres of land (including 25 in full production), they have five polytunnels in which they are able to grow protected crops like courgette, cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, and root fennel - and also, in summer, scallions, celery, peppers, and french beans.
The range grown outside is equally impressive and includes beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, kale, lettuce, onions, parsnips, potatoes, romanesco, and turnips...
They sell at markets (Loughrea Thu am, Moycullen Fri pm) and, as well as offering their own and other organic products through an online shop, they operate an excellent box delivery scheme (home or business addresses) which offers a menu of themed boxes such as a Juicing Box, a Stir-Fry Box and a Just for Two box.
Visitors also also welcome to buy vegetables at the farm on Tuesdays, while they are packing the home delivery vegetable boxes.
