Bord Bia has revealed the winners of the National Organic Awards, which included the Laois/Offaly company Garryhinch Mushrooms. The National Organic Awards celebrate the achievements and high standards of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country. Overall, there are seven awards, including the ‘New & Innovative Award,’ which went to Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms from Laois/Offaly.
Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms wins National Organic Award
Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms was honoured for its ‘Shiitake and White Beach mushroom.’ Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms is a long-standing family-run farm by Joe & Dolores Gorman on the Laois Offaly border, specialising in high-quality organic mushrooms known for their health benefits. Cultivated from sawmill and farming waste streams, they grow a diverse range of mushrooms, including Shiitake, Maitake, White Beech, Lions Mane, Forest Nameko, and various oyster mushrooms. Their organic approach means they don’t use any chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or artificial chemicals. Emphasising sustainability, they prioritise responsible mushroom cultivation to minimise their environmental impact. 100% Irish; their mushrooms are grown and packed on our farm.
Types of Exotic Mushrooms grown at Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms
Shittake mushrooms are high in protein, fibre, minerals, and healthy cholesterol-lowering sterols; they are well known to build immunity. Well before modern cultivation techniques were invented, people cut and placed Shii trees (related to beech and oak) next to trees that were producing the mushrooms. They are the most popular exotic mushrooms for cooking. Other mushrooms they produce include King, Grey, Pink and Yellow Oysters. Maitake, a polypore-type mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees. They also produce White Beech and Lions Mane.
On the Award winners, Emmet Doyle, Organic Sector Manager in Bord Bia, said:
“The quality of submissions for this year’s National Organic Awards was exceptionally high, and this is evident in the success of today’s winners. They are proof that the organic sector in Ireland is thriving, and the dedication and hard work of our producers is key to this success. The National Organic Awards are a fantastic way of recognising this hard work and highlight our appreciation for the pioneers working within this sector. We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners today and thank all who entered this year.”
The National Organic Awards are held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM). The lineup of judges included chef Clodagh McKenna, food writer Suzanne Campbell, chef Janine Kennedy, food consultant Annie Dunne, and retail expert John McDonagh.
