These Awards celebrate the work of individuals, farm families and organisations who are enhancing the economic, environmental and social development of Irish agriculture and rural communities | The winner of the 2023 RDS Sustainable Rural Innovation Award is BiaSol, Co. Offaly.
BiaSol is dedicated to addressing food waste and promoting the circular economy. They produce sustainable food products from by-products and waste streams, with a focus on upcycling brewers' spent grain.
BiaSol collaborates with Irish craft breweries to collect spent grain, preventing it from going to landfills where it would emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Through an innovative process, BiaSol transforms spent grain into nutritious and flavorsome food products for the food service industry and retail.
The company implements sustainable management practices, including the use of recyclable and compostable packaging made from recycled materials.
BiaSol's innovation has numerous benefits for rural Ireland. They are the first company in Ireland and the UK to manufacture brewers' spent grain for human consumption, establishing a food bioeconomy.
By partnering with local breweries and supplying the food service industry, BiaSol helps reduce carbon emissions and imports of wheat flour.
BiaSol's commitment to sustainability and their pioneering efforts in upcycling food waste make them deserving winners of the RDS sustainable innovation award | The winner of the 2023 RDS Sustainable Farming Award is Norman Dunne, Co. Kildare. Norman, a fourth-generation farmer from Kilgraigue in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, embarked on a transformative journey in 2015 by transitioning from conventional tillage farming to a more holistic and regenerative approach. His main focus has been on improving soil health, recognising its vital role in fostering the well-being of plants, animals, and humans.
Through conservation agriculture principles, Norman has successfully reduced his reliance on chemicals and achieved remarkable results.
Norman has demonstrated his commitment to circular management practices by adopting the three Rs of the Circular Economy—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—on his farm. He minimizes emissions, enhances energy efficiency, conserves water, and manages his supply chain sustainably.
Norman has embraced sustainable farming practices to reduce the carbon footprint and create value-added products, which is also supporting local economy and employment.
Norman's farm has become a haven for wildlife. By implementing biodiversity-friendly measures he has witnessed an increase in ground nesting birds, and endangered bird species.
Norman is also a Farming for Nature ambassador and actively engages with the wider farming community, organising farm walks and educational events to promote sustainable best practices and encourage others to learn from his experience | The winner of the 2023 RDS Sustainable Rural Enterprise Award is Honestly Farm Kitchen, Co. Roscommon.
Drumanilra Organic Farm located in Co. Roscommon, specialises in pedigree Dexter beef cattle and poultry farming. They prioritise fresh, sustainably sourced, and minimally processed food with short supply chains, aligning with the EU Farm to Fork Strategy.
The farm applies various sustainable management practices. It is certified organic and uses regenerative farming methods. The farm promotes biodiversity by maintaining natural habitats and uses organic methods to grow salads and vegetables.
In their restaurants, ingredients are sourced locally to minimise food miles. They use biodegradable cleaning products and participate in initiatives to reduce plastic waste. Recycling is practiced, and compostable packaging is used.
Honestly Farm Kitchens supports local producers and employs over 75 people. They actively promote the benefits of supporting local and eating organically through marketing efforts.
The farm prioritises biodiversity, avoids polluting waterways, and engages with the community through internships, farm visits, and collaborations with farming organisations.
Honestly Farm Kitchens serves as an example of a sustainable farm-to-fork operation, making organic food accessible and supporting local producers. Through communication channels like newsletters and social media, they promote sustainable practices and local suppliers. Their commitment to sustainability and community engagement is driving the growth of a vibrant and sustainable rural Ireland | The winner of the 2023 RDS Rural Social Impact Award is The Grow Dome Project, Co. Dublin.
The Grow Dome Project is a social enterprise that transforms derelict sites into innovative Grow Domes, serving as multi-purpose social and educational spaces for communities.
Through partnerships with local organizations and institutions, they create training positions and sustainable jobs by producing and selling microgreens. Their sustainable management practices include off-grid operations with solar panels and batteries, vertical farming for water efficiency, organic soil and composting, biodegradable packaging, and eco-friendly transportation with electric cargo bikes.
The domes also collect rainwater and incorporate automation systems for remote monitoring. The project adds value through product development, marketing, and job creation, supporting two full-time jobs per vertical grow bed.
The Domes have received strong media coverage and numerous awards, transforming waste ground into vibrant community resources and addressing social issues. The Grow Dome Project contributes to environmental and social development by addressing unsustainable food production, unemployment, and community isolation.
They collaborate with Dublin City Council, community groups, universities, and housing alliances to spread the benefits of sustainable practices | The winner of the 2023 RDS Sustainable Rural Start-up Award is Woolow, Co. Galway.
Founded by Michael Burke, Woolow, who are based in Dunmore, Co. Galway, produce natural and eco-friendly wool bedding products. Inspired by his childhood experience, Michael created Woolow to provide high-quality sleep solutions using natural and chemical-free materials. Their sustainable practices include circular management, using only wool and Fairtrade cotton, and recycling materials after a product's lifespan. Woolow adds value through product development and marketing, with a range of wool pillows, sprays, toppers, and blankets.
They support the local economy by manufacturing in Dublin and partnering with local businesses. Woolow actively contributes to environmental and social development in rural Ireland through organic farming practices and the promotion of wool's hypoallergenic benefits. They engage with the community through various marketing channels and aim to provide natural sleep products to customers worldwide. With Michael's experience in the pharmaceutical industry and sustainable farming, Woolow combines expertise to create sustainable and comfortable sleep solutions.
