I was attracted to an article in the Sunday Times Food section today, which is unusual as I normally skip this section in search of something more bloggable. What interested me was that it described what appeared to be a pragmatic approach to the problems of the small farm sector in Irish farming. The recent headlines showing farmers blockading meat processing plants are an indication that not all is well in the industry. I have to admit that I approach environmental issues with a ‘shields up’ approach as it is almost impossible to separate ideology from science and as I have said in other articles, we are in a world where there is no room for doubt, no room for questions, you are either for or, against. So, it was refreshing to see that people had by passed the drama, threats and politicking and had put their ideas into practise.
The new small farmers want to set the farming clock back to pre 1970’s methods. Their marketing strategy is right for the initial stages in that they get very close to their customers. In one of the examples in the article, the producer discussed planting with his chef customer who, was given sufficient time to alter his menus to get the produce as it was harvested. This works well with a non price sensitive niche market but the concept is right for expansion either by direct selling to the end customer through farmers markets or, via the internet. However, it wouldn’t be a blog by disgruntled from Dublin if that was all. I was searching for a certain sentence and it came midway through the piece when it mentioned a scheduled “gathering” (not protest?) outside Leinster House, “…to call on the government to protect our soil and value it as much as they do.” (Sunday Times, 22/09/19) The problem with most environmental groups is that they sell their soul to ideology and instead of taking practical steps to lead by example they just join the background noise demanding that everyone else has to change to their way of thinking. The danger to Talamh Beo is that by engaging in the political debate and seeking government protection or, funding, they become just another interest group in a sea of similar groups.
What differentiates Talamh Beo is that it is small scale and very close to it’s customers. It is as much a social force as a commercial or environmental one and it must keep it’s principles and relationship to it’s customers before all else. It must not be seduced in to joining a larger ideological movement where it will try to save the world by political means rather than practical leadership I think that there is a market for food grown by people that you know and that is a market that is prepared to pay above supermarket rates. The small farmers need to hammer away at this target and not be distracted by seeking government support that always comes at a price. Developing a personal relationship with your customer is literally growing organically with the advantages of a bond of trust between customer and supplier that will withstand the vagaries of the market. Good luck to Talamh Beo I hope to be reading about a quiet revolution taking place in the countryside led by a hands on group that benefits all.
The Sunday Times, Food, Corinna Hardgrave, 22/09/19, Irish growers go back to their roots.