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Therapy for the soul

The South Circular Road community garden

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.

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Think green this Christmas

Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped

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.

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The tyranny of trends

Apple Jelly

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.

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Burning our future

Our reliance on fossil fuels for energy can't last indefinitely. Aonghus Storey looks at some of the alternatives.

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Small food revolution

Sinead Courtney of Athenry Organics sells some of her produce at Farmfest, Athenry

Global warming and depleting fossil fuels are proving to have a positive impact on local food production says Gerry Galvin.

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Horses for courses

The working horse is making a comeback on farms

The working horse is making a comeback on farms, and not before time say Siobhán Morris and Martino Newcombe.

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A great way of life!

Pigs suckling on the Barlow's farm

Contented farmers Jimmy and Marie Barlow talk to Cáit Curran.

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Good for nature, good for you

So says the EU and any organic farmer you care to ask but is organic food any healthier than conventional produce? Lenny Antonelli investigates the benefits of organic food.

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Food or fuel?

World food prices are continuing to rise, but how much are biofuels to blame - and can they ever be genuinely sustainable? Lenny Antonelli investigates.

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Putting a new spin on organic horticultural production

Somerton Tanks Farm

Small scale horticultural production is the poor relation in organic farming, ignored by government plans and agencies yet providing the greatest potential for development. Siobhán Morris argues that now is a good time to grasp the nettle - maybe with the help of a new phenomenon known as SPIN.

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Silent summer

The lush growth of summer hides the activities of wildlife growing quiet after the stimulation of spring says Martin Brennan.

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Spirit and stamina

Ireland's oldest organic farmer, Pat Flanagan.

Ireland's oldest organic farmer, Pat Flanagan, talks to Cáit Curran about his life and times.

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The hills are alive

Welsh Black Cattle.

Organic farming is blossoming in Wales. Oliver Moore examines the reasons and says we could learn from the Welsh experience.

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Web watch - Sustainable style

Aonghus Storey guides us through sartorial elegance with ethics.

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Milking goats in Normandy

Milking goats in Normandy was how Hannah Mole began her WWOOFing tour of France.

...was how Hannah Mole began her WWOOFing tour of France.

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Good intentions

Research suggests that consumers are positive about sustainable food.

Research suggests that consumers are positive about sustainable food, yet the market for organic and local produce still hasn't fully taken off. Why the discrepancy? asks Lenny Antonelli.

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Organic Matters Issue 200, July 2025 (A preview)

Green Heroes Awards 2025.

Organic Matters resident oracle, Chas Griffin, takes a peek into the future.

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Into the archives

Oliver Moore traces the history of Organic Matters and shares some of his highlights.

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Food for life

Enda Conneely - We need to re-assess our attitude to food for the sake of our health and well being.

We need to re-assess our attitude to food for the sake of our health and well being says Enda Conneely.

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What Do Organic Growers Do About Making Compost?

David Storey offers organic answers to making compost.

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