The festival, now in its 18th year, is expected to attract over 100,000 people from all corners of Ireland including a strong urban contingent.
Commenting on the farming focus at Bord Bia Bloom, Mike Neary, Bord Bia’s director of horticulture and farmer engagement said: “Bloom is an ideal vehicle to educate the public about Irish agriculture through accessible and educational features. In conjunction with our partners, Bord Bia Bloom has added a range of exhibits designed to build greater understanding and appreciation for agriculture. Visitors will be guided through pertinent topics and issues including the role of technology and science in Irish farming, how farmers and growers are supporting biodiversity, and horticulture’s importance to Ireland’s food security.”
Bord Bia, Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), have collaborated on a new feature in the Food Village that celebrates the importance of Ireland’s horticulture industry. Titled ‘Horticulture is Life’, the interactive and educational feature aims to deepen the public’s appreciation for the work of Irish growers. The exhibit will also show how the three organisations work collectively to support the Irish horticulture sector to bring consumers local and sustainable produce and plants.
Talks and demonstrations on a range of topics will highlight the environmental, aesthetic and health benefits of horticulture. Visitors will hear from organic and conventional growers on what’s involved in growing commercial seasonal produce. ‘Horticulture is Life’ also aims to attract future horticulturists with information on apprenticeships in the sector, while younger visitors can try their hand at operating a mini-digger or a tractor and trailer.
Conservation zone
In the Conservation Zone, Agri-Aware, supported by Bord Bia, returns with new features to highlight how Irish farmers are committed to continuous environmental improvement while producing high quality meat and dairy. The farmyard will include features on hedgerows, multi-species swards, rainwater collection, and low emission slurry spreading. The popular live animal exhibit is also back with added messaging on the importance of genetics in livestock farming.
In the show garden area, the National Dairy Council are sponsors of the Nourishing Dairy – From the Ground Up concept garden, which aims to forge a deeper connection between consumers and sustainable Irish dairy production. Designed by Tünde Perry, the garden planting reflects the abundant greenery found on Irish farms including a grass meadow, multi-species swards, native trees, shrubs, and hedgerows. The garden will host informative talks and demos, plus special guests throughout the weekend.
Farming Rathcroghan
The Farming Rathcroghan team have created a small show garden to embody the unique agricultural and heritage landscape of Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon, which is home to over 240 archaeological monuments and features. Farming Rathcroghan is one of 23 European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) that were funded by DAFM to tackle current challenges in farming landscapes. It is the only EIP in Ireland with a focus on farming in an archaeological landscape and over 75 per cent of this archaeological area is managed by 45 farmers. area while improving water quality and biodiversity.
Also in the show garden area, the Love that Keelings Feeling Garden is inspired by Ireland’s farming landscape. Sponsored by Keelings and designed by James Purdy, the garden features apple trees, rhubarb patches, and strawberry plants nestled in a boundary of native hedgerows and dry-stone walls. The garden emphasises the importance of growing fruit for both our diet and Ireland’s wildlife.
Finally, the European Commission have sponsored a show garden to communicate the values of the EU Green Deal. Designed by Oliver and Liat Schurmann, the In Perspective garden prompts visitors to think about the role we can all play in protecting nature.