Farming for Nature Ambassador Series Farm Walk
August 17 – Ecological Diversity on a 145-acre Market Garden, Orchard and Beef Farm
The Farming for Nature farm walks are an opportunity for our Ambassadors to showcase their contribution to nature and good farming practices on their land.
Patrick Frankel runs Kilbrack Organic Farm with his partner Judith and their young family. This is a 145-acre farm in Doneraile, Co. Cork. His main focus is a wide a range of organic vegetables with 45 crops throughout the seasons, that he sales directly to consumers and supplies 26 restaurants in Cork city and the surrounding areas. He also has shorthorn cattle which he sells at 30-months, and a beech and oak woodland. Patrick has a deep interest in biodiversity, soil heath and sustainable food production. He grows in a walled garden combining an orchard with potatoes and a wide range of vegetables including leeks, kale, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, potatoes, tomatoes, french beans and salad leaves. He has 4 polytunnels that specialise in overwinter salads, and summer crops such as peppers, tomatoes and aubergines. The diversity in produce at Kilbrack is outstanding while enhancing the diversity in the surrounding agroecological system. “I am amazed by what can come off relatively small piece of land. What it gives back over and over if you look after it. The market is not filled, there is so much demand for organics, there is so much opportunity here without importing. I have faith in farmers that they will adapt to our changing climate as they are in touch with elements and will react.” Patrick and Judith are keen on educating others on market gardening with up to 50 Woofers each year coming to the farm.
Saturday, 17 August at 11am
Tickets costs €10. Limited places available. Book your place here
These events have been jointly supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
