Producer organisations growing from strength to strength out west
With a significant number of organic lambs and hoggets being produced along the western seaboard, John Noonan, Teagasc Organic Advisor, and Oisín O’Connor, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, tell us about the Western Organic Producer Organisation, which aims to connect breeders, finishers and buyers.
In recent weeks, particularly during and after the fuel protests, it has again been highlighted that farmers are largely ‘price takers’, with little control over what they are paid for their produce.
This leaves the sector in a vulnerable position. Even small shifts in global markets can significantly increase input costs at farm level, often without a corresponding rise in output prices. In that context, any initiative that strengthens farmers’ bargaining power must be welcomed.
Over the years working with Teagasc in the West, I have seen the value of farmer-led groups such as the Mayo Mule and Greyface Group and the Mayo Blackface Group. These organisations have grown by focusing on quality stock and building a reputation that attracts premium prices. They show what can be achieved when farmers work collectively with a clear goal.
Supports for Producer Organisations
In 2025, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) formally recognised and began supporting Producer Organisations (POs) across agriculture, food and seafood sectors. These member-led groups are designed to improve efficiency, strengthen market position and support long-term sustainability.
A key support measure is the Early-Stage Support for Producer Organisations (ESSPO), which provides €10,000 annually for three years to assist with administration, along with additional funding for legal and business advice. The aim is to help producers collaborate, scale production, improve quality and gain a stronger foothold in the supply chain.
Organic growth and opportunity
Between 2025 and 2027, a major focus is on organic farming. With over 5,500 farmers now in the organic scheme, and up to two-thirds located along the western seaboard, conditions are right for a dedicated producer organisation.
Ireland has set a target of 9% of agricultural land to be farmed organically by 2030. Currently, the figure stands at 5.5%. While there is a gap to close, strong interest from farmers suggests that the target is achievable.
However, rapid expansion, effectively tripling in size over just three years, has brought challenges. There is now a significant volume of organic lambs and hoggets being produced, and stronger market structures are needed to connect breeders, finishers and buyers.
The Western Organic Producer Organisation
To address these challenges, the Western Organic Producer Organisation (WOPO) was approved for funding under the DAFM scheme in late 2025. The group officially launched on March 5th in Westport, attracting over 80 farmers, along with representatives from organic certification bodies and Teagasc. The attendance reflected the growing demand among farmers for organised structures to help market organic stock and share knowledge.
Discussions on the night focused on developing markets for organic lamb at both local and international levels, as well as improving collaboration within the sector.
Pictured: John Noonan, Teagasc Organic Advisor, (left) with Martin Joe Kerrigan (right). Martin is an organic hill sheep farmer and member of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Martin is achieving excellent production levels in organics, selling 1.2 lambs/ewe to the ram with his ram lambs sold as stores and his ewe lambs at the special breeding sales in Aurivo Mart, Ballinrobe and Maam Cross Mart. He also sells fully organic rams.
Key priorities
WOPO has identified several areas where it can improve returns for members.
Breeding stock
Currently, farmers can obtain a derogation to purchase up to 20% non-organic breeding stock. However, with the rise in organic participation, there is now a supply of fully certified ewe lambs and hoggets available. Many of these animals, often with Blackface breeding, are well suited to organic systems due to their hardiness and strong maternal traits. The aim is to establish organised multi-breed sales to encourage the use of organic breeding stock and reduce reliance on derogations over time.
Store lambs and finishing
Many organic farmers along the western seaboard operate on upland or hill farms and produce large numbers of store lambs. However, not all have the land or resources to finish these animals.
WOPO plans to improve links between store lamb producers and finishers, as well as develop transport networks to ensure lambs are marketed efficiently and reach the correct weight and condition to secure organic premiums.
Reducing leakage
A key issue in the sector is the movement of organic stock into conventional markets, where its added value is lost. By creating structured sales and stronger connections between farmers, WOPO aims to keep more produce within the organic system, benefiting both producers and consumers.
Looking ahead
WOPO will host its first fully certified, members-only sheep sale on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, at Maam Cross Mart in County Galway.
The sale will include ewe lambs, breeding hoggets, breeding ewes and store lambs, all presented to a high standard and fully certified organic. It will provide buyers with access to quality stock in one location, while also giving sellers a reliable outlet for their produce.
The event will also showcase organic food and beverages, highlighting the quality and potential of the sector.
Producer organisations like WOPO represent a practical step towards improving farmers’ position in the marketplace. By working together, farmers can build scale, strengthen supply chains and ultimately secure better returns for their work.
Contact Details
If you would like to join the group or get more information about the special sales, ring 0867313965 or email westernorganicspo@gmail.com