Diversification with Sheep, Blueberries and Paludiculture

This week on Organic Matters, we speak to organic sheep and horticulture farmer John O’Sullivan, who farms over 800 acres of largely boggy soil in Connemara. John has also diversified into agri-tourism and is experimenting with paludiculture to support farm profitability and environmental performance.

John talks about the various enterprises on Derreighter Organic Farm, including his flock of 200 ewes lambed outdoors in mid-April. He also specialises in organic berry production, with the wool used as a nutrient source for the bushes. Berries work well as they like acidic soil and adequate moisture. The O’Sullivans also host people on the farm, offering accommodation, workshops, a wood-fired sauna converted from an old trailer, and more.

In addition, John is part of an EU-funded project called Palus Demo, which is exploring how to alter the water table on part of the farm to encourage sphagnum mosses to re-establish, which can help to sequester carbon, improve biodiversity, and rebuild the bogs, while at the same time exploring commercial opportunities for berry production on the same land.