Janet Power & Jenny Watkins
Location: Bunclody, Co. Carlow
Farm Size: 1 hectare
Enterprise Type: Organic market garden
Farming Legacy: 1st generation
Janet and Jenny, who previously worked in pharmaceuticals and as an artist, met at Dromcollogher Organic College and embarked on a farming journey together in 2016. Their 3-acre organic farm, looking up to Mt. Leinster, is located at a hillside elevation of 195m and was initially quite exposed.
Inspired by mentor Rory McGorian, they focused on high-value crops like salads and leafy greens, initially selling to local supermarkets like Supervalu and restaurants. Their current operations include a variety of outdoor beds totalling over 1.5 acres for production. Alongside this, they have also planted thousands of trees over their tenure on the farm.
They adopted techniques from Jean Martin, transitioning to a no-dig approach in 2019. After addressing challenges with nutrient levels and soil health, they modified their methods to minimize soil disturbance while maximizing fertility through innovative use of pony manure and waste materials, producing 80% of their own nutrient needs.
They have successfully maintained the farm as their primary income source for the past seven years. They have recently planted a syntropic agroforest and are excited to see it develop. Their vision includes expanding their orchard and hedgerows, establishing a farm shop, and teaching courses. They have observed a remarkable return of wildlife, including various birds and hares, emphasizing their philosophy that “nature is front and centre in everything we do.”
Nominator: Thomas O'Connor, Farming for Nature Ambassador
Nomination: Janet Power and Jenny Watkins of Gorse Farm would not only make great FFN ambassador's but are forces of nature themselves.
They run an impressive small holding which they started in 2016. Gorse Farm which is a certified Organic market garden, located in Bunclody on the Carlow-Wexford border. Where they supply to Supervalus and restaurants across Wexford.
Their commitment to growing food for their community that is not just certified organic but is nutrient dense and grown in a way that protects and enhances nature on their holding is an inspiration.
They share their passion with their community through walks, talks and engagement. Building strong connections between their farm, their customers and nature.
They work hard both on and off farm giving their free time to organisations like TalamhBeo and Irish Organic Association .
Even with limited space they give 25% of their land to nature through developing new hedgerows , shelter belts flowers and allowing rewilding .
Their nature centered approach to how they farm is based on producing healthy food, land and Environment.
I know that Janet and Jenny would be a great addition to the growing number of Farming for Nature ambassadors .
