Simply the best
An Irish organic farmer from the south of Ireland has won the Best Organic Farmer (Female) category at the European Organic Awards, recognising her dedication to organic farming, technical performance, and willingness to share her knowledge
Kay O’Sullivan from Mourneabbey in Co. Cork is the first woman farmer to be nominated from Ireland, and to have won the prestigious award. On her 63-hectare farm, Kay has 70 cows and calves, and 90 sheep and lambs.
Her farming practices focus on grass-based cattle production without grain feeding, using multispecies swards, diverse forage crops, and weekly grass measurements to optimise grazing efficiency and productivity. The farm has significantly reduced external feed inputs, improved soil health, and operates in harmony with nature. Beyond farming, Kay shares knowledge through community engagement, farm events, open days, and international study visits.
Deserved accolade
Kay farms as part of Teagasc’s – Food and Agriculture Authority of Ireland’s – Future Beef Programme and Signpost Programme, which are designed to support beef farmers in achieving higher productivity and environmental standards while maintaining profitability.
Teagasc’s Future Beef Programme manager, Martina Harrington said: “We have worked with Kay since 2022 and it has been a pleasure to see her continually challenge herself to improve. This award is a credit to her dedication, attention to detail and enthusiasm for organic farming. “Kay shows that technically efficient suckler beef production and organic farming can go hand in hand. She takes information from research, advisors and other farmers, considers how it fits her system and puts it into practice. The results reflect that commitment,” said Martina.
Kay is always generous with her time, and eager to share her world and farming experiences with others. Last year, for example, more than 300 people attended her farm walk and earlier in 2026, she hosted visiting chefs from France and Belgium as part of the Chefs Irish Beef Club.
There are seven categories in the European Organic Awards and winners were announced in September, in Brussels, at an event hosted by the EU Commission and presented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen. Kay’s European award comes on the back of her winning the Organic Production Category at the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2025 in Ireland.
The EU Organic Awards are organised by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe.