Christmas 2023 Campaign
Celebrate Christmas with Ireland’s Finest Farm Produce
Our farmers work tirelessly to ensure that everything they produce meets the highest standards of quality and taste. These products are the result of year-round dedication, skill, and sustainable practices honed by generations of Irish farmers.
This isn’t just food; it’s a testament to farmers’ commitment to excellence, crafted for your enjoyment and to support the thriving heart of Ireland’s economy.
Turkey
About the Irish Turkey Sector
There are Irish turkey producers who produce year-round, but the market is predominately focused on the Christmas trade, which is the most important time of the year for the sector.
In many cases, unless otherwise clearly visible, joints or boned and rolled are often imported produce.
Some consumers buy a turkey directly from a local or neighbouring farm. The processing period for the Christmas turkey is rather short, from early December until the week before Christmas roughly, so it’s a critically important and busy time for producers.
How much work is involved for the farmer?
The starting point is to identify a market and gear everything towards it.
Some turkey farmers get their turkey pullets as day-olds and these birds require a lot of care and attention. However, most farmers now purchase them at a couple of weeks old.
Turkeys are highly responsive to the effects of management. Farmers ensure that they receive the best possible care when they are rearing them.
To whom does the farmer/grower sell their produce?
Turkey farmers sell their whole turkeys to butchers, retailers and restaurants. There are also farmers who rear turkeys all year round for processing companies for the retail and export market predominately.
There are farmers who have a processing licence for their turkeys, so they rear and process the turkey all on one site, meaning that the farmer is in full control from start to finish.
Many turkey farmers also sell direct to consumer from farm gate which is very common around Christmas too.
As a consumer what can I do to support Irish growers/farmers?
Simply, ask the question!
When you go to your local butcher, restaurant, etc. ask the question: Is this turkey Irish? Where is it coming from? Who’s supplying it?
If consumers create awareness with the butcher etc that they’re looking for Irish produce, they will collectively send the message that consumers want to buy local. In doing so, you are supporting family farms, small businesses, local communities and ensuring to keep our Irish turkey sector vibrant.
Shop local as much as it is feasible. It’s always nice to know where your meat, from start to finish, is coming from.
Roast Turkey with Thyme and Onion Stuffing Recipe from Bord Bia
Access the delicious roast turkey with thyme and onion stuffing recipe from Bord Bia here and watch the preparation video below.
Ham
About the Irish Pig Sector
Christmas Ham is a central part of the traditional dinner on Christmas Day.
The Irish pig sector, compromising 230 farmers, is very specialised.
Almost all of our Irish pig farms are Bord Bia Quality Assured, meaning that our pigs are produced to the highest standards. Our pigmeat products are produced for our own domestic market, but our export markets are also very important to the sector.
How much work is involved for the farmer?
The amount of work involved in pig farming can vary depending on the scale of the operation; the farming practices employed; and the specific goals of the farmer.
There is a continuous flow of pigs moving through the farm at all times that require care and attention from birth to finish including breeding; serving; farrowing; weaning; and finishing.
The farmer ensures the welfare of the pig is looked after, that they have optimum nutritional diets and are reared to our internationally accredited standard of Bord Bia Quality Assurance.
To whom does the farmer/grower sell their produce?
Most Irish pig farmers sell their pigs to a primary processor. There are five main primary processors in ROI but there are a number of smaller primary processors who the farmers also sell their pigs to.
From here, the processor identifies the market for the product, and it is sold either domestically or exported. Much of our pigmeat products are sold to secondary processors who further process the product and sell this product on to retail, or again export some of this.
As a consumer what can I do to support Irish growers/farmers?
Support Irish farmers by looking for the Bord Bia Quality Assurance logo when shopping in retailers, ensuring full traceability of the product.
When you go to your local butcher, restaurant, etc. ask the question: Is this pork/bacon etc Irish? Where is it coming from? Who is supplying it?
We would ask you to do this not only when buying your Christmas ham, but all year round to really make a difference and support Irish farmers.
Cider Baked Ham with a Cherry Glaze Recipe from Bord Bia
Access the delicious cider baked ham with cherry glaze recipe from Bord Bia here and watch the preparation video below.
Vegetables
About the Irish Vegetable Sector
The Irish horticulture sector has a farm value of €529 million. Horticulture is one of the most carbon efficient sectors in Irish agriculture. The sector’s social benefits include employing workers in local communities and producing fresh produce for a healthy balanced diet. The economic viability of the sector is threatened due to tight margins and increasing input costs.
Carrots, parsnips, and brussels sprouts are staples on the Christmas dinner plate, all of which are produced locally. Many horticulture growers have gone out of business over the past 20 years. IFA estimate that there are fewer than 60 commercial field vegetable growers left in Ireland today.
How much work is involved for the farmer?
Growing vegetables requires a lot of work and specialist knowledge. The work begins with preparing the land, then planting the crop, tending to the crop and finally harvesting.
Carrots, parsnips and brussels sprouts are in season at Christmas time. The crops are harvested from the ground as they are required.
The dedication and expertise of horticulture growers contribute significantly to meeting the demand for this staple food, ensuring a consistent and reliable source of nutrition.
To whom does the farmer/grower sell their produce?
Irish carrots, parsnips and brussels sprouts are available when they are in season throughout the year. Some growers sell their produce directly to retails and shops and others sell their produce to a facilitator who then supplies it to the retail market.
As a consumer what can I do to support Irish growers/farmers?
Consumers can support Irish horticulture growers by ensuring that the vegetables they buy have the Bord Bia Quality Assured Logo which indicates that they are Irish.
Always Look for the Bord Bia Quality Mark
Potatoes
About the Irish Potato Sector
The Irish potato industry is a critical indigenous sector worth over €105M at the farm gate, with over 8,000 hectares planted annually. The potato is synonymous with Irish culture and Irish growers provide consumers with quality, nutritious potatoes for 12 months of the year. There has been consolidation in the sector in recent years and it is estimated that there are in the region of 300 large commercial growers left in Ireland. Approximately 1,344 people are directly employed in the Irish potato sector.
How much work is involved for the farmer?
After getting the land ready, main season planting typically begins in the springtime. Growers then manage and tend to the crops until mature to harvest in the Autumn.
The potatoes are then stored until required by the consumer. Potato growers must ensure that crops are closely monitored at all times and they must deal with challenging weather conditions such as drought, frost and wet periods which are particularly challenging for growers.
The dedication and expertise of potato growers contribute significantly to meeting the demand for this staple food, ensuring a consistent and reliable source of nutrition.
To whom does the farmer/grower sell their produce?
Irish potatoes are available on all retail shelves every day of the year. Some growers sell their produce directly to retails and shops and others sell their produce to a facilitator who then supplies it to the retail market.
As a consumer what can I do to support Irish growers/farmers?
Consumers can support Irish potato growers by ensuring that the potatoes they buy have the Bord Bia Quality Assured Logo, which indicates that they are Irish.
Lamb
About the Irish Sheep Sector
The sheep sector is an important economic component of our local economy and generates wider economic activity and employment in rural communities across the country. With over 36,000 flocks nationally, sheep farming is unique in that it operates on upland and lowland farms.
How much work is involved for the farmer?
Sheep production involves a multifaceted range of tasks aimed at ensuring the well-being and optimal productivity of the flock. The process begins with careful breeding selection to enhance desirable traits, followed by attentive management of nutrition, healthcare, and disease prevention throughout the year.
Monitoring ewes during lambing, providing assistance when required, and safeguarding the health of both the ewe and their offspring. Successful sheep production demands a combination of expertise in animal husbandry, careful resource management, and a strong understanding of market analysis.
To whom does the farmer/grower sell their produce?
Sheep farmers sell their lambs through various channels, but most commonly through meat processors and abattoirs. The sheep sector is strongly export oriented with Irish exports reaching over 39 countries globally on an annual basis.
As a consumer what can I do to support Irish growers/farmers?
This Christmas consider supporting Irish sheep farmers by choosing locally produced lamb for your festive celebrations. Opt for lamb sourced from Irish Bord Bia quality assured farms, as this not only ensures the highest quality but also contributes to the sustainability of local agriculture and hardworking farmers.
Look for certification labels that indicates the products origin and consider purchasing from local markets and butchers to maximize the impact of your support. By choosing Irish lamb you play a role is sustaining the proud tradition of Irish sheep farming during this festive season.
Always Look for the Bord Bia Quality Mark
Beef
About the Irish Beef Sector
The Irish beef sector is our largest agriculture sector, generating an output value of over €3bn in exports in 2022.
A climate conductive to grass pastures and a focus on quality assurance, animal welfare, environmental sustainability and food safety contributes to its favourable reputation worldwide.
The Irish beef sector significantly contributes to our economy by generating employment opportunities and supporting related industries, while an ongoing commitment to innovation and research ensures its sustainability in the long run.
How much work is involved for the farmer?
Irish beef farming demands a substantial and diverse workload throughout the year. The workload can vary depending on the scale of the farm, the specific farming practices and external factors such as weather conditions.
From the daily care of cattle, including feeding and health monitoring to the intricacies of managing calving seasons and breeding programmes, farmers balance the challenges with the rewards of sustaining a vital aspect of Ireland’s agricultural heritage.
To whom does the farmer sell their produce?
Irish beef farmers sell their produce though a diverse array of channels, catering for domestic and international markets. Most beef farmers sell their animals to processors who then process the meat and distribute it to various markets locally, within the European Union and the UK. Domestically, farmers also distribute their beef to supermarkets, butchers and restaurants, meeting the demand of the local consumer base.
As a consumer what can I do to support Irish beef farmers?
As a consumer you can play a crucial role in supporting beef farmers and their livelihoods. Consider making a meaningful choice by prioritising locally sourced Bord Bia quality assured beef for your festive meals.
By purchasing Irish beef products, you not only enjoy high quality sustainable beef but also contribute to the prosperity of local farming communities. Share the story of Irish beef farming with your friends and family, emphasizing the importance of supporting local agriculture.
Fresh Milk
About the Irish Liquid Milk Sector
Distinct from the milk we supply for our dairy export market, the liquid milk sector supplies our Irish consumers with fresh milk and cream all year round.
How much work is involved for the farmer?
Farmers who supply to the liquid milk sector must supply milk 365 days of the year. The vast majority of dairy farmers typically supply milk from February to Mid-December and don’t milk any cows over the winter.
To ensure milk supply over the winter, liquid milk farmers calve down cows at two times in the year, one herd in the spring time (February to April) and the second herd in Autumn (September – November). It is estimated that liquid milk farmers work an average of four hrs extra per cow each year, due to the increased autumn and winter workload.
To whom does the farmer/grower sell their produce?
The majority of liquid milk farmers supply their milk to Tirlán, Aurivo, Arrabawn, Clóna Dairies, Lee Strand, Lakeland Dairies and Strathroy
As a consumer what can I do to support Irish growers/farmers?
The price of fresh milk and consequently the price paid to liquid farmers has fallen over the last 15 years due to the dominance of private label milk which sells at a lower retail price compared to farmer-owned brands of milk. As a consequence, over 40% of liquid milk farmers have exited the sector in the past twenty years.
This trend is likely to continue if better prices cannot be achieved for liquid milk farmers. This would result in very scarce fresh milk supplies for consumers over December and January.
To ensure that fresh milk stays on our shelves 365 days a year consumers should prioritise the purchase of milk from farmer-owned brands such as Avonmore, Connacht Gold, Arrabawn, Champion, Clóna Dairies, Lee Strand, etc.