MidWest Biodistrict

Laying the foundations to strengthen organic food systems

The Mid-West BioDistrict is an 18 month place-based initiative focused on developing a stronger regional organic food and farming system across the Mid-West of Ireland. The project aims to connect organic farmers, growers, communities, consumers, institutions and other food-sector organisations, creating stronger links between production, supply, markets and demand.

The BioDistrict approach recognises that developing organic agriculture requires more than supporting individual farms. By working at a regional level, the project seeks to strengthen cooperation between producers and other parts of the food chain, improve access to information and markets, and increase awareness of locally produced organic food. The initiative also provides an opportunity to explore public procurement of organic food for settings such as schools, hospitals and other institutions, helping to create more reliable markets for organic producers.

The initiative focuses on building relationships within the organic sector and developing the infrastructure required to support the regional food system.  A key objective is to develop shorter and more resilient food supply chains, allowing locally produced organic food to reach consumers more efficiently while retaining greater value within the region. The BioDistrict can also support farmers through improved access to advice (with the support of Teagasc), funding, markets, processing opportunities and knowledge exchange.

By connecting these elements, the project aims to create a more coordinated and sustainable organic food system in the Mid-West.

Project Partners

West Limerick Resources (LEADER), The Urban Co-op, Teagasc, local Universities and Masterchefs, alongside organic farmers and growers across the region.

Funding