About Us

Growing Organically Together

Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op is a grassroots network of over 170 organic farmers committed to building a thriving, sustainable food system in the West of Ireland.

Since 1998, we’ve supported farmers to transition to organic, connect with local markets, and strengthen their livelihoods through fairer, farmer-led food chains. Our mission is to advance organic farming as a pathway to environmental protection, rural regeneration and climate resilience — while ensuring smallholders and family farms thrive economically.

We also advocate for organic agriculture at national and EU levels, working to shape policies that protect the land, support farmers, and put food sovereignty at the centre of agricultural reform.

We believe that the future of farming is organic, cooperative, and community-rooted.

To share just some of our past projects and achievements:

  • Founding member of Taste Leitrim, a network supporting over 120 smallholders and artisan food producers in our home county
  • Founded Carrick-on-Shannon Farmers’ Market Visit Carrick-On-Shannon Farmer’s Market with Discover Ireland in 2007, now one of Ireland’s most successful weekly markets.
  • Active supporter of regional food events

Organic Marts & Access

  • Pioneered organic livestock sales in partnership with Drumshanbo Mart, including Ireland’s first organic mart sale in 2000.
  • Facilitate dedicated organic marts annually, creating direct access to buyers for smallholders in the region.
  • Maintains long-standing supply arrangements with meat processors and distributors for organic beef and lamb producers.
  • Actively supports matchmaking between buyers and sellers of organic weanlings and store cattle throughout the West.
  • Founding member of Taste Leitrim, a network supporting over 120 smallholders and artisan food producers in our home county
  • Founded Carrick-on-Shannon Farmers’ Market in 2007, now one of Ireland’s most successful weekly markets.
  • Active supporter of regional food events

Training, Mentoring & Support

  • Offers continuous support for members with farm planning, grant applications, organic registrations, and enterprise mentoring.
  • Co-founded and still hosts the National Organic Training Skillnet.
  • Regularly runs farm walks, training days, and community information sessions.
  • Brought our knowledge to the Sustainable Smallholders EU project

Mobile Butchering & Local Food Innovation

  • Developed and piloted the mobile butcher model for organic meats sold at local farmers’ markets, now managed by Irish Organic Meats and active at many local markets.

Policy Engagement & Knowledge Sharing

  • Publishes a quarterly newsletter to keep members informed and connected.
  • Advocates at national and EU level for organic farming, food sovereignty, and better supports for smallholders.
  • Participated in multiple EU-funded education and sustainability projects including ARC2020
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