McNally Family
The McNally Family Farm is an organic farm with both parents and all 5 children working different angles of it. The farm is 77 acres, 2 acres covered with poly tunnels and about 25 acres of outdoor growing. They grow over 50 lines of produce seasonally throughout the year and sell direct to customers in farmers markets in Co. Dublin and from their farm shop in North Co. Dublin. They also keep flocks of organic hens and ducks for egg production and rear organic turkeys for the Christmas market. They make yoghurt and jams throughout the year. They have been supplying many of the country’s top restaurants with produce for years. Awareness of nature, Nature Protection, supporting nature: Bee keeping on the farm with 4 bee hives nestled amongst the orchard and poly tunnels, keeping historic hedgerows intact and maintaining relatively small fields enclosed with hedgerows, farming organically for 25 years, irrigation for the poly tunnels is supplied by 2 wells on the farm. The outdoor crops are not irrigated. Diverse range of produce is home to many insects and bugs. They aim to create a connection between the growing of vegetables and the product you see on your plate along with showcasing the range of produce that can be grown in Ireland throughout the year.
Nomination Description:
McNally Family Farm converted from conventional crop and cattle farming to Organic & direct to customer farming in 1996. The farm is 77 acres, 3 acres covered with poly tunnels and about 27 acres of outdoor growing. They grow over 50 lines of produce seasonally throughout the year and sell direct to customers in farmers markets in Co. Dublin and from their farm shop in North Co. Dublin. They also keep flocks of organic hens and ducks for egg production and rear organic turkeys for the Christmas market. They make yoghurt and jams throughout the year. They have been supplying many of the country’s top restaurants with produce for years.
Awareness of nature, Nature Protection, supporting nature: Bee keeping on the farm with 4 bee hives nestled amongst the orchard and poly tunnels, keeping historic hedgerows intact and maintaining relatively small fields enclosed with hedgerows, farming organically for 25 years, irrigation for the poly tunnels is supplied by 2 wells on the farm. The outdoor crops are not irrigated. Diverse range of produce is home to many insects and bugs.
Relatable to other farmers/engaged in the community: This farm is a really good example of steady organic growth over the years with continuous investment in the farm and without the express need for grants or subsidies. It currently supports the whole family, Jenny, Pat and their 5 adult children along with 1 full time and 2 part time employees all make a living from the farm, shop and cafe. They’ve created added value to their produce with the production of chutneys, relishes and pickles using excess produce at the end of the week. The farm cafe uses their produce in sandwiches, both adding value to their produce and demonstrating to customers how it can be used. They self-published a seasonal cook booklet this year for Autumn and Winter veg in order to help customers cook with the seasons using produce all grown on the farm. In their farm shop they stock other small local and Irish producers, giving the producers access to a wider customer base and customers an opportunity to buy Irish produce.
They communicate their story via social media on Instagram and Facebook as well as interaction with customers at the weekly farmers markets and farm shop. They give a rounded view of the farm from the growing, maintaining and harvesting of crops as well as their retail outlets. They aim to create a connection and recognition between the growing of vegetables and the product you see on your plate along with showcasing the range of produce that can be grown in Ireland throughout the year.
Nominator: Michael Maloney Former CEO Origin Green
