Kenneth & Jenny Keavey, Green Earth Organics, Co Galway
Kenneth and Jenny Keavey started Green Earth Organics in 2006 after two years of organic conversion and delivering vegetables locally around Galway from the family farm near Corrandulla, Co Galway.
Today, the company has grown significantly and delivers certified organic produce nationwide. “We have been growing organic vegetables here on our farm in Galway for nearly 20 years and sustainability plays a huge part in everything we do, as does our commitment to sustainable local food,” says Kenneth. “We strive to minimise or eliminate the small amount of plastic packaging remaining in some of our boxes, and we also have a box that contains 100% Irish veg.”
Online sales and home delivery through a vegetable box delivery scheme is a key route to market for Green Earth Organics and this direct sales market channel has been core to their successful growth over the years “We can deliver boxes of fresh produce and groceries to thousands of homes across the country every month,” adds Kenneth. “In recent years, we have invested significantly in our website and technology systems for managing operations like produce procurement, logistics and marketing.”
Field Scale Vegetables
Kenneth currently has around 25 acres of certified organic land in the rotation, including field crops, grass/clover and six polytunnels, with a further 10 acres of native woodland and wildlife habitat. A wide range of organic vegetable crops are produced including Brassicas, Alliums, root crops, tomatoes, lettuce and other salad leaves. “To supplement our own grown organic vegetables and to meet the demand for local Irish produce, we work closely with a network of other Irish suppliers and growers of organic fruit and vegetables,” says Kenneth.
Certified organic produce is also sourced from outside of Ireland to ensure supply for customers year round. Forty five staff are employed across the farm, packing and administration teams, with additional seasonal workers, students and interns taken on at busy times.