On Wednesday, October 15th, two registered organic farms in Killarney, Co. Kerry will open their gates to attendees for a short series of informative site visits focusing on sustainable farming practices.
The morning of the event will feature a tour of a farm that has recently completed an agroforestry plantation, incorporating mesh/fox wire for tree protection. In the afternoon, visitors will be able to explore the second farm site that demonstrates group tree planting designed for integration with cattle grazing.
Both of these farm walks will offer valuable insights into practical approaches to agroforestry, highlighting how silvoarable and silvopastoral systems can be successfully implemented, and demonstrating the benefits gained through agroforestry FT8 support under the Afforestation Programme 2023-2027.
Further details on eircodes and parking will be sent on Monday to those who register. Registration is essential to ensure the availability of parking. Please click the button below for the registration form.
This event is supported by Forestry Promotion Funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Organic Farm Visits in Killarney to Showcase Agroforestry and Cattle Planting Innovations
Trees and Horticulture with Ben Raskin
9th of October Webinar
Thinking about integrating trees into your horticulture or tillage system?
Join us for an insightful webinar with Ben Raskin, a leading expert in agroforestry and sustainable horticulture. With over 30 years of experience in the sector and a long-standing role at the Soil Association, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge on practical tree planting, soil health, and innovative growing systems. He also has specialist experience in: Community Supported Agriculture Woodchip use in farming Starting and scaling horticultural enterprises Ben’s background includes managing everything from walled gardens for Michelin-starred restaurants to 10-acre organic production systems at Daylesford Organic Farm. He has led agroforestry projects at Helen Browning’s farm and advised on community farms near Bristol. Ben is also the Chair of the "Community Supported Agriculture Network UK", a committee member of the "Farm Woodland Forum", and author of several gardening books including "The Woodchip Handbook" and "Silvohorticulture".
This webinar is also suitable for Foresters preparing applications for the Silvoarable Pilots available under the Afforestation Programme Agroforestry Supports.
This webinar is funded by Forestry Promotion Funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Trees That Heal: Reconnecting with the Medicinal Forest
2nd of October Webinar
The Irish Agroforestry Forum recently hosted an engaging and informative webinar with Anne Stobart, medical herbalist, who shared her deep expertise on the use of medicinal trees and shrubs within forest garden systems.
Anne explored the healing properties of a range of woody plant species, long valued in traditional medicine and others researched for their active ingredients and therapeutic effects. Her talk covered safe and practical applications of these plants for common health issues such as arthritis, sore throats and other everyday complaints.
A key focus was on integrating medicinal species into forest gardens designed using permaculture design principles, with Anne offering guidance on how to create diverse, resilient and healthy landscapes. Also highlighted were case studies of cultivated medicinal trees and shrubs emphasising quality in both self-help and commercial uses.
Organics and Agroforestry
25th of September Webinar
Organics advisor Andrew Chilton gave a free webinar exploring the Organic scheme and Agroforestry with practical guidance on farm support payments and how to make the most of the crossover between the schemes.
Designed for farmers, landowners, and foresters, the session provided clear guidance on how to integrate agroforestry into organic systems, maximise available funding, and align with environmental goals. Andrew outlined key considerations for those considering conversion to organics, already certified organic, or looking to diversify sustainably.
The webinar also offered valuable insights for foresters preparing agroforestry applications for organic farms for the FT8 supports available under the Afforestation Programme, highlighting opportunities to support organic farms through well-designed planting schemes.
Agroforestry Walk at Carnahalla Heritage Centre & Farm
Recently, visitors explored the rich intersection of native trees, sustainable farming, and ancient Irish landscapes on a farm walk at Carnahalla Heritage Centre and Farm in Co. Tipperary. Set at the base of the Slieve Felim, Carnahalla is a 70-acre sanctuary is steeped in over 8,000 years of history, featuring ancient woodland, ceremonial embankments, fairy forts, burial mounds and a heart-shaped amphitheatre.
During the walk, participants:
Learned about the role of native Irish trees in supporting whole-farm health and resilience
Gained insights into the ecological, cultural, and economic benefits of agroforestry practices
Visited Ireland’s largest Hazel and Crab Apple trees, as recorded by the Tree Council of Ireland
It was a memorable day of shared learning, reflection, and reconnection with the land—bridging ancient traditions with modern sustainable practices.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Carnahalla. We look forward to welcoming you to more farm walks soon!
Farm Walk at Manna Organic Farm: Trees, Crops & Regenerative Design in Action
The Irish Agroforestry Forum had the privilege of visiting Thomas and Claire O’Connor’s farm in the Gleann na nGealt valley, Co. Kerry — a shining example of how farming and environmental stewardship can thrive together.
The 25-acre Manna Organic Farm, located on the Dingle Peninsula, has transformed over the past 15 years from ryegrass fields into a diverse, integrated agroforestry system. Visitors explored a range of innovative land uses, including:
Four acres of vegetables surrounded by sheltering trees that improve soil fertility
A permaculture zone with whitethorn shelterbelts and fruit trees
A terraced agroforestry plot with soft fruit bushes enclosed by coppiced willow, birch, and sycamore
At the heart of the farm is a thoughtfully designed tree system. Thomas and Claire have planted extensively—fruit trees, biomass species, and pollinator habitats—while preserving ancient trees already on the land. Every tree is chosen and managed with care: for shelter, soil health, biodiversity, and to ensure harmony between crops and trees.
During the visit, participants learned about:
The deliberate integration of trees and horticulture
Heritage orchard grafting techniques
Pigs grazing among trees as part of the farm system
Use of seaweed and natural fertilisers
Methods to foster underground fungal networks
The barriers to selling meat directly as small producers
Manna Organic produces vegetables, salads, wheatgrass, meat, poultry, and eggs, sold locally through Manna Organic Store. The farm walk offered valuable insights for those interested in the new silvoarable and forest garden supports under the 2023–2027 Afforestation Programme.
This event was supported by Forestry Promotion Funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Agricultural History Society of Ireland
Cumann Stair Thalmhaíocht na hÉireann
Annual Conference 2025
18–20 September
FLAX GROWING IN IRELAND:
HISTORY AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Programme
Venue: The Ryandale Inn, Moy, Co.Tyrone.
THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
There are plenty of options for lunch in Lisburn before the visit.
3. pm Meet for Field visit. Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, Market Square,
Lisburn BT28 1AG County Antrim, Northern Ireland. www.lisburnmuseum.com
We are booked for a Guided flax to fabric tour at 3.30 – 4.30. The Museum closes at 5 so if
you want to look around the whole Museum it is suggested you do so before the guided tour.
This tour will include an overview of the history of flax and linen production in Ulster. (Free)
Evening gathering at conference hotel ( c 45mins westwards down the M1 from Lisburn)
Arrange own dinner at hotel. There is traditional Irish music in a pub just beside the hotel on
Thursday nights.
FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER All events at Conference Hotel
10am–11am ‘We might as well be under the Soviet’ - Compulsory tillage in Ireland
during the Second World War by Dr Michael Loughman
Short Break
11.20 – 12.20 A woman leading the men. Elizabeth F. Bobbett and the tillage question in
the 1930/40s by Dr Peter Moser and Dr Tony Varley
12.30 - 1.30 LUNCH
1.30 am – 2.30 am How a little blue flower made Northern Ireland the linen capital of the
world by Dr Lindsay Easson
2.30 – 3.30 Modern flax production in Ireland and me by Luke McGuinness
Break
4.00 – 5.30 Local flax grower Helen Keys discusses her experience producing flax on her
farm, providing a basis for a wider, audience-inclusive, discussion on the challenges and
opportunities for flax growing in Ireland today
6 PM Conference Dinner at Conference Hotel
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
AM 2 Field visits.
1. 10.00 AM Field visit to flax-growing farm.
Mallon Farm in County Tyrone where Helen Keys and Charlie Mallon are reviving the
tradition of growing flax for fibre, as part of a patchwork of potatoes, grass and oats. Using
nature-friendly practices, Helen and Charlie, are growing flax fibre to produce textiles as the
first commercial producer of Irish-grown linen in over 40 years.
105 Pomeroy Rd, Cookstown BT80 9EY
https://www.nffn.org.uk/rethink-farming-helen-keys/
2. 1 PM National Trust Property-Wellbrook Beetling Mill, Cookstown.
Situated in a peaceful, wooded glen along the Ballinderry River, Wellbrook Beetling Mill
stands as a reminder of Ulster’s once-flourishing linen industry that dates back to the late
seventeenth century. 20 Wellbrook Road, Cookstown BT80 9RY www.nationaltrust.org.uk
2.30/3.00 Depart
IAF News
Dr Lindsay Whistance
The Welfare Benefits of Silvopasture for Cattle Report.
Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Agroforestry Podcast Second Series
Now Available
Welcome to Conversation Beneath The Trees, a podcast bringing together scientists, farmers and innovators from all around Ireland to share their ideas and experiences of farming with trees. This podcast has been produced by the Irish Agroforestry Forum in association with GrowIn. It is funded by the Woodland Support Scheme provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Available on Google Play, Spotify, Amazon Music and iTunes.
Agroforestry Academy
The Agroforestry E-Academy is a free, online learning tool for anyone interested in finding out more about agroforestry. It is suitable for farmers, foresters and second and third level students. Topics include the various types of agroforestry and the interactions between trees, animals and crops. The information is shared through videos and real life examples that can be accessed at your own pace. IAF members are testing the academy before it is formally launched for public use. Look out for more updates in the coming weeks.
New Primary School and Secondary School Agroforestry Poster Series
Please email info@irishagroforestry.ie to enquire about copies
Northern Ireland’s First Regenerative Agriculture Festival Glenarm Estate, Co. Antrim
“The Fields Good event yesterday was a great success. There were about 400 attendees overall and a steady stream of interest in the Agroforestry tent. We had over 55 people “signed up” for the agroforestry walk which focused around Fred’s demonstration of tree protection. This attracted a lot of interest eg from AFBI, Agrisearch, the IFJ, Soil Association and when Minister Muir visited our stall it was easy to get him out to look closely at the system. He was extremely interested in such a low-cost , effective protection option and took pictures and assured us he would try and visit Fred’s farm on a visit to Fermanagh planned for later in the year. There was a very positive feel around the whole event. The Agroforestry presentation was very well attended, few seats left in the tent”.
Jim McAdam
