A small pamphlet comes through the post, and the introduction declares that this is the first edition of the North-West Organic Producer and Consumer Guide. It aims not only to promote existing organic producers but to inform retailers and consumers of what is available in the region - helping to strengthen local networks of like-minded producers and consumers. For the compiler, Hans Wieland, writes that he is sure there are many more organic producers and - this a good one - "producers in conversion": shops, retailers, B &Bs, restaurants that use organic food. Please let us know, he asks, for he wants to include them in their lists of such in the next edition.
Hans Wieland is small farms development worker of the Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim, which is drawing in many interested urbanities as well as agriculturists to its regular one-day and two-day courses. You may not want to get involved in the to and fro of this organic and non-organic argument, but at least you are likely in the end to give your vote to something that means fewer chemicals in food - be it apples, peas, carrots or whatever. Not forgetting animals. Already, 20-odd years ago, a friend told of watching a TV programme on cookery in the south of France. The chef told the viewers, even then, to peel apples when eating them raw or using them in cooking. The editor lists organic farms. In Cliffoney, Co Sligo, Carnduff Organic Farm deals in vegetables, herbs, and eggs - available through a box system and farm sales. It also supplies restaurants and shops.
Galloways of Lecarrow, Co Leitrim supplies lean organic beef including beef-olives (?), sauerbraten, meatballs and other things "all ready to cook". Delivery can be arranged "and sampling is possible". Lots of others, too. There are suppliers of organic breads. "All their breads are dairy-free, low salt and contain no flour improvers. They can be enjoyed by many people with sensitivity to wheat, yeast etc."
Lots more information, but the Rossinver Centre can be contacted by phone at 07254338 or by fax at 07254343. Friends who have been on a course there have benefited greatly.