New Leaf Urban Farmers has launched Beyond Organic, a Community Supported Agriculture vegetable box scheme in Ballyneety, Co Limerick, believed to be the first of its kind in Ireland. Families and individuals signing up and committing to support the scheme will receive an assortment of restaurant quality groceries that will change each week based on the seasonality of ingredients.
"It is named so because of the ancient Korean Natural Farming methods - which take advantage of indigenous microorganisms to produce fertile soils that yield high output without the use of herbicides or pesticides - that we practice to grow our much sought after produce," they say.
"In 2021, Beyond Organic will provide as many as 50 local families (members) with a weekly haul of freshly picked seasonal and restaurant quality ingredients. These will include our own Irish ginger and garlic. Our aim is then to increase the number to 150 households in year two (2022)."
“I'm extremely excited to finally be in a position to bring my knowledge and expertise to local families throughout the county of Limerick. Farming is one of the most noble professions and with it comes a responsibility to produce vegetables that not only look and taste good but are also nutritious and healthy. We have lost our connection to our food sources and I aim to bring that connection back, in some small way, to families right here in Limerick. Korean Natural Farming allows me to bring balance into my soil and help replenish the nutrients lost from producing crops,” Kevin Wallace, Founder of New Leaf Urban Farmers.