Cork farmer takes home EU organic award
A Co. Cork organic beef and sheep farmer has today (September 23) won the Best Female Organic Farmer award at the 2026 EU Organic Awards in Brussels.
Kay O’Sullivan from Mourneabbey is the first female organic farmer from Ireland to have been nominated for this award since its inauguration in 2022 and is now the first to have won.
Speaking after receiving her award today, O’Sullivan said: “I’m a bit stunned to receive it.
“It’s brilliant for female farmers, it’s brilliant for the organic sector.
“For those that are working on the farm with me as well, it’s a great moment for them.”
Organic Trust
O’Sullivan’s farm began conversion to organic by the Organic Trust in 2010.
Member relations co-ordinator at Organic Trust Chloe Egan said: “We are delighted to see Kay receive this well-deserved European recognition.
“Kay’s dedication to organic farming and her commitment to sustainable agriculture make her a fantastic ambassador for the Organic Trust and for organic farmers across Ireland.”
The awards are organised by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, Copa Cogeca, and IFOAM Organics Europe.
O’Sullivan is also the first Irish nominee to feature in any category since Coolanowle Organic Meats of Ballickmoyler, Co. Laois, were 2024 finalists in the Best Organic Food Retailer in the Best Organic Food Processing SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) category.
Farm
O’Sullivan’s farm has been organic for 17 years. Its main enterprises are suckler to beef, sheep and lambs.
She told Agriland: “Probably going back to 2008, I was looking at it as an option.
“I was a pedigree sheep breeder, and high costs were associated with that enterprise.”
She went organic in 2010, after a 25-hour course on the subject organised by Teagasc.
National awards
Following the EU Awards, Irish attention will shift to the upcoming National Organic Awards, hosted by Bord Bia, which will be presented to winners at an event in Dublin on Thursday, September 24.
Launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon at Bloom in May, the award categories are:
- Best Irish Organic Brand Award;
- Best Irish Organic Farmer Award (Male and Female);
- Best Irish Organic Retailer Award;
- Best Irish Organic Exporter Award;
- Best New & Innovative Irish Organic Product Award;
- Best Irish Organic Foodservice & Impact Initiative Award;
The National Organic Awards are organised by Bord Bia with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
