06/08/2025
Aubergines coming into full swing. They worked out well this year when compared to last year's disaster. However, we're still setting up the place, and it will take another season or two to finish. We took one lot over the last two seasons and are just about past the 'threading water' stage. Market gardening in Ireland is so fickle in a business sense. Each season is completely new. Nothing is taken for granted, notably customers. Especially in this economic climate of uncertainty.
The hospitality sector is rocky, with cuts to spending in all facets of their businesses. The small producer is usually first off the menu to be replaced with imported substitutes, which are inferior both in freshness, taste, and quality.
The government doesn't recognise us as farmers or the value we add to local communities. It's an EU model of industrial farming with economies of scale at its heart. No subsidies, grants which are completely infeasible and a real lack of foresight in terms of small-scale, ecologically sound agriculture.
We could produce the best veg in the world here. We have it all, yet... Even worse, there are few if any younger people coming up. There is no dedicated market gardener college/school in Ireland. No school that harnesses our knowledge and skills. Maybe it's time we set up one?. A market leading school. Maybe there is someone out there who has the vision?