RTE Radio One - How can farmers get involved in food procurement?

Master Chefs CEO, Pat O'Sullivan at Ellan Farm

Listen to Pat’s interview above link or visit RTE RADIO ONE for the full segment.

Revitalising Irish Agriculture: A Vision for Sustainable Food Procurement

In a recent interview on RTE Radio One with Ella McSweeney, our CEO, Pat O'Sullivan discussed his reasons behind our new farming venture and the potential of public food procurement in Ireland.

In 2021, we acquired 18 acres of land in Limerick to start growing organic vegetables. Despite a lack of farming experience, we were motivated by the poor quality of imported produce and the need for fresher, locally sourced food, especially highlighted during the pandemic. Ellan Farm now cultivates around 20 different types of produce, including brassicas, root vegetables, salads, herbs and pumpkins, with plans to expand further.

Pat emphasises the significant market opportunity within public food procurement, where the government spends millions annually on food for hospitals, schools, nursing homes and universities. He believes that creating a bio-district, a collaborative network of farmers to end-users, can streamline the distribution of seasonal produce and reduce dependence on imports.

Highlighting the challenges in sourcing organic milk, Pat pointed to successful local co-ops as potential models for this initiative. The goal is to return Ireland into a self-sustaining "green country" by increasing local food production and reducing imports. He stressed the importance of government support in establishing a robust market for local produce, particularly through public procurement channels. Pat O'Sullivan's approach aims to revitalise the Irish agricultural sector, meeting the growing demand for fresh, high-quality food while promoting sustainability and sustainable procurement.

A bio-district is a geographical area where farmers, citizens, tourist operators, associations, and public authorities enter into an agreement for the sustainable management of local resources, focusing on organic production and consumption. This includes short food chains, purchasing groups, and organic canteens in public offices and schools. In bio-districts, promoting organic produce is intertwined with promoting the land and its unique characteristics, enabling it to realise its full economic, social and cultural potential.