Kay O’Sullivan among Europe’s best organic farmers
Kay O’Sullivan has reached the final three for a major award recognising best practice in organics across Europe.
Operating an organic production system in Mourneabbey, Co. Cork, Kay was shortlisted in the best organic farmer (female) category at the European Organic Awards. The winner will be announced at the European Organic Awards on Wednesday, 23 September, in Brussels, hosted by the EU Commission and presented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen.
Showing how organic farms can be productive while delivering for the environment, Kay O’Sullivan operates a highly efficient suckler to beef and sheep organic farm in north Cork. A participant in the Teagasc Future Beef and Signpost Programmes, the EU Organic Awards is not Kay’s first time being recognised having won the Organic Production category of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards in 2025.
Commenting ahead of the awards ceremony, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said: “I and my Department wish Kay the very best of luck in the European Organic Awards. Kay’s nomination for this award is wonderful recognition of her fantastic achievements in organic beef and sheep farming, and the expertise that she has developed over 15 years in County Cork.”
Minister Heydon continued: “It is also an acknowledgement of the strides that we have made in Ireland in promoting women in agriculture, and it is especially positive that this is happening in the Year of the Woman Farmer. Since 2023 we are seeing proportionately more women farmers gravitating to organics as a career choice.”
The EU Organic 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.
For more on the EU Organic Awards and National Organic Awards, visit here.
Featured photo caption: At the National Ploughing Championships Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD meeting Kay O’Sullivan, who was shortlisted in the best organic farmer (female) category at the European Organic Awards. Image source: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.