INISHOWEN CO-OP EMBRACING FARMING SUSTAINABILITY IN THE INISHOWEN REGION

Inishowen Co-Op were delighted to take part in

ECO Inishowen: A Celebration

an event recently  hosted by Inishowen Development Partnership

The event was an opportunity to shine a light and focus on all in our community who are working on improving biodiversity and following a more sustainable way of life to protect our region and environment.

With a huge turnout and excellent panel discussion from  the experts in their field the event also promoted a number of organizations who are active in supporting the environment in the region.

Combating climate change and assessing biodiversity loss is not just a global issue but very much a local one also and ECO Inishowen and the organisers certainly offered an opportunity for all business and community to look at what they are doing in this area.

In attending the ECO Inishowen event, celebrating the sustainable contributions of local business and community across the region, Inishowen Co-Op were delighted to support and take part, showcasing the efforts of farmers and the Inishowen Co-Op group to promote a more sustainable agricultural system here in the Northwest.

Since establishing in 1963, Inishowen Co-Op have embraced change and innovation across the agricultural industry at every opportunity and supported the needs of their members and the wider community where possible. We take pride in being the largest employer in the retail sector in the Inishowen region and have set our own goals in achieving a more efficient and sustainable presence as  we move forward into our 61st year.

We understand the responsibility on the agricultural system to improve farming practices in line with climate change and we offer support and help to every farmer to make those improvements at every stage, whether it is  introducing clover swards or converting to organic farming.

Farming Sustainability

Developing a sustainable food chain while supporting our environment is the ethos of sustainable farming and we understand that farmers have a vital role throughout. We have a dedicated Farm Advisory Team in place to help with any changes, with the sole interest in supporting the primary producers of the industry. Farm sustainability means taking the economical, social and environmental impacts of farming and improving them where possible.

EMBRACING CHANGE

Understanding that change is necessary,  Inishowen Co-Op takes pride in our ability to evolve within the industry and continue to leading supporting the sector towards a more sustainable future.

OUR SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

• Installed solar panels at all five branches, developing a renewable energy supply for running our stores - saving us an average of €1500 per month on running costs.

• Offering a local delivery service allowing our customers to secure their products without leaving the home - reducing emissions.

• Sustainable farming and building materials from credible manufactures who are environmentally responsible.

• Sustainable supplies and advice to the farming sector, with a focus on soil health, water quality and our climate, while continuing to support our farmers and the wider food chain.

Each of our branches has been equipped with rooftop solar PV panels which generate renewable energy to operate the stores.

We hope to expand out solar panels into the future and are currently exploring the options for more panels at the feed mill in Newtowncunningham and our fuel station in Drung. We are also considering upgrading our forklift fleet in the future to electric machines, to utilise the energy created from our on-site solar panels.

INISHOWEN CO-OP AND FARM SUSTAINABILITY PLANS FOR 2024.

CLOVERS

Adding clovers to the grasslands will reduce fertiliser requirements by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and delivering it to the plant. We have a range of grass seed blends, including red and white clovers which will help farmers reduce their fertiliser demands while improving the quality of their livestock forage and grazing systems.

SEAWEED

Inishowen Co-Op have taken lead in the North West as the only stockist of organic seaweed products from the prize winning Mayo company Sealac.   Seaweed additives can help in reducing methane emissions from livestock when added to feed rations. We have a range of products available in store and online.

With the increase in organic farming entrants, we have sourced alternative fertilizers such as seaweed and liquid fertilizer products to help farmers grow more for less. These innovative products help organic farmers maintain the quality of the soil while continuing to produce quality food.

If you would like more information or advise/support on embracing farm sustainability in the future contact James or John  our Technical Advisors on

James Strain Tel: 086 1450471

John Hegarty Tel: 086 0355012

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Some of the many exhibitors promoting sustainability at the recent event.