Outstanding Offaly company wins big at National Organic Awards

An Offaly company was among the big winners at the National Organic Award The National Organic Awards,

The Bord Bia awards celebrate the achievements and high standards of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country.

Among the winners on the day was Offaly’s Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms which took home the New & Innovative Award for its Shiitake and White Beach mushroom offering. This was one of seven awards presented on the day.

Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms is a family run organic mushroom farm located on the banks of the river Barrow in County Offaly. With over 30 years’ experience, they cultivate their exotic mushrooms on wooden blocks made only from trees sourced from sustainably managed forests. 

Commenting on the winning producers, Minister of State, Pippa Hackett, said:  "It’s a pleasure to be here today at the National Organic Awards, and to see the quality, innovation and creativity happening within the organic sector in Ireland. Today’s award-winners represent the very best of the high standard of organic food and drink production that this country has to offer.

 "From my own experience of organic farming, I know the amount of work that goes into producing high quality organic produce but also how rewarding it is, and I want to congratulate everyone who was shortlisted for playing an important role in helping the Irish organic sector to thrive. Bord Bia play a vital role in delivering market access for our premium organic product. I’m hugely grateful for their commitment and am looking forward to their increasing investment in the organic sector."

 Emmet Doyle, Organic Sector Manager in Bord Bia, said: "The quality of submissions for this year's National Organic Awards was exceptionally high, and this is evident in the success of today's winners. They are proof that the organic sector in Ireland is thriving, and  the dedication and hard work of our producers is key to this success. The National Organic Awards are a fantastic way of recognising this hard work and highlights our appreciation for the pioneers working within this sector. We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners today and thank all who entered this year.”

The National Organic Awards are held every two years in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The event marks a true celebration of the best of Irish organic food as a wide selection of produce from all over the country is represented in the awards.