A new European-funded project worth €1.5 million has been launched to support organic growers in the tillage and horticulture sectors.

The official launch of the Organic Tillage and Vegetables European Innovation Programme (EIP) project, a farmer-led initiative took place at the Organic Tillage and Vegetables Open Day held in Co. Wicklow in recent days.

This €1.5 million project showcases integrated, practical measures to support organic farming and sustainable weed and vegetation management.

It brings together organic tillage and vegetable growers, Teagasc specialists, researchers and industry partners to test and demonstrate mechanical weeding, crop establishment systems, machinery sharing and collaborative production under Irish conditions. 

Speaking at the farm walk, Teagasc organic tillage specialist Martin Bourke said: “A key aim is to improve access to specialist weeding equipment and to develop systems that can work across different farm sizes, crop types and growing conditions.

“The project is also looking at how better weed control can support crop diversification, improve labour efficiency and create new opportunities for organic tillage and vegetable growers working together.” 

Machinery

Specialist, cutting-edge machinery demonstrations were among the highlights of the Co. Wicklow open day at the farm of Tommy Delahunt, Ballinaclogh.

Bourke said: “By working together, growers can trial and evaluate technologies that may otherwise be difficult or too costly to access individually.”

Machine demonstrations on the day included a precision tine harrow, a camera-guided inter-row weeder, a seeding/weeding robot, and a light weeding robot.

The project also creates opportunities for growers to share practical experience, and identify new crop and market opportunities.

The Organic Tillage and Vegetables EIP project is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the European Union.