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Welcome to Organic Matters

Organic Matters is the bi-monthy magazine of the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA). Organic Matters is available throughout Ireland through Easons and WNS Distribution and from many wholefood shops and market stalls around the country. It is also available throughout the world by subscription.

In the Current Issue

Editorial

The news has been dominated in recent months by upheaval in the world order that we are accustomed to. Economic downturn, stock market crashes, food shortages and hair shirt budgets are grist to the mill of a media frenzy feeding the fears of the susceptible.

Organic Matters - November / December 2008 edition.

Change always brings fear but there are many rejoicing that this corrupt and morally bankrupt world order is finally under pressure. It has been clear for some time that our modern lifestyle is unsustainable and some thought must be given to living in a way that is compatible with the planet while allowing all of the world's citizens to enjoy a fair and decent standard of living.

Much of the content of this edition is devoted these issues. Quietly, in all areas of society, people are beginning to take control of their lives. The poor standard of industrial food available is motivating a movement to regain control of what we eat. Many people spend their spare time working in community and school gardens, allotments and home gardens. Part time farmers and land owners are beginning to look at the possibility of returning full time to the land. There is a growing awareness of the importance of food in promoting health and wellbeing.

The benefits of organic farming are obvious to those working in the sector and to those who have the opportunity to consume quality organic food. However, as a movement we are slow to promote the numerous advantages associated with organic farming methods.

It is time for the organic movement internationally to take a lead in demonstrating how a sustainable and just system of agriculture can provide food for everyone and a satisfying lifestyle for those involved in food production.

Cáit Curran, Editor

Therapy for the soul

Some time ago we featured the trend for community gardens in the UK and United States and looked at the growing popularity of community gardens in Ireland. Here Willie Brennan, a gardener at one of the capital's prospering community gardens, tells all to Ruth O'Connor.

Think green this Christmas

Given the economic downturn, fiscal restraint is in danger of becoming fashionable again but thoughtful, environmentally sound Christmas presents are always in vogue. Richie McCarthy suggests some ideas.

The tyranny of trends

Fashion dictates that certain foods become fashionable at certain times, regardless of any inherent value. But good food is always in vogue and apple jelly is a perennial favourite, says Gerry Galvin.

In the Print edition…

Back to the land

Industrial food production and excessive consumption are making people reassess their attitudes to the most basic of human needs. Aonghus Storey meets a Co. Wexford farmer who is turning his pig rearing hobby into a commercial business.

How did your garden grow?

The last summer is widely accepted to have been one of the worst in memory. Billy Clifford reviews his growing year and finds he survived the season relatively unscathed.

Farm Walks 2008

Organic farm walks attracted large attendances this year. Mary Lynch reviews some of those she attended.

Becoming a vegetarian

Rob Carlyle loves good food and enjoys eating meat. But his conscience prodded him to become vegetarian. He explains why modern methods of food production have influenced his decision.

Unlocking the secrets of the past

Tom Coffey has dedicated himself to proving that Carnahalla is the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. The Co. Tipperary organic farmer tells Cáit Curran that his land holds the key to early Irish history.