Growing Our Impact with the Ballyhoura Growers’ Project The Ballyhoura Growers’ Project, a collaboration between Ballyhoura Development, FoodCloud, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and vegetable growers across Ireland, continues to make a meaningful impact across the Ballyhoura region. Running since 2024, the project redistributes surplus fresh Irish vegetables to local charitable organisations — transforming high-quality produce that might otherwise go to waste into vital support for communities. Real Impact in 2025 Over the past 12 months, the project has delivered significant results: 9,510kg of fresh vegetables redistributed 22,643 meals supported 22,063kg of CO₂ emissions prevented These figures highlight the powerful role of local collaboration in addressing both food waste and food insecurity, while also contributing to climate action. Supporting Communities and Local Producers The Ballyhoura Growers’ Project plays an important role in supporting frontline services across the region. Fresh, locally grown vegetables are delivered free of charge to a wide range of organisations, including: Meals-on-Wheels services Day care centres Sheltered housing Family support services This not only helps to reduce food costs for these essential services, but also ensures that individuals and families have access to nutritious, locally sourced food. At the same time, the initiative supports Irish vegetable growers, providing a sustainable outlet for surplus produce and strengthening the connection between local producers and communities. A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability Globally, up to 40% of food is wasted, contributing to approximately 8–10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Projects like the Ballyhoura Growers’ Project demonstrate how practical, local solutions can play a part in addressing this global challenge. Weekly deliveries are coordinated with the support of the Ballyhoura Development Rural Social Scheme, ensuring that food reaches those who need it most in a timely and efficient way. Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are central to the Ballyhoura Growers’ Project, particularly those focused on food systems, sustainability, and community wellbeing. Through the redistribution of fresh, seasonal Irish vegetables to charitable organisations at no cost, the project delivers meaningful impact at a local level. The initiative aligns most strongly with the following SDGs: Goal 2: Zero Hunger Providing fresh, locally sourced vegetables free of charge to organisations supporting individuals and families in need. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Redistributing surplus vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, reducing food waste and promoting the efficient use of resources. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals Through strong collaboration between Ballyhoura Development, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), FoodCloud, and local growers, ensuring the success and sustainability of the project. Looking Ahead The continued success of the Ballyhoura Growers’ Project highlights the importance of partnership, sustainability and community-focused action. By working together with FoodCloud, DAFM and local growers, Ballyhoura Development is helping to build a more resilient, inclusive and environmentally responsible food system. For more information on the project, visit: Ballyhoura Growers Project Manage Cookie Preferences