Ballybrado Ltd. was established in 1983 as one of Ireland’s first commercial organic farms, focused on the idea of living and working in harmony with nature. It all began when Josef and Marianne Finke moved to Ireland with their family and friends in search of a greener life. What started out as the idea of self-sufficiency quickly turned into a driving force for the development of the organic movement in Ireland.
About us
Josef was the first to export organic produce from Ireland, demonstrating that consumers are actively interested in organic food from a clean environment. In 1989 he founded Good Herdsmen Ltd., today the largest dedicated organic meat processor in Ireland and the UK; he was chairman of the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association and later director of the Organic Trust. He worked in several committees of the government, representing the voice of organic sector.
After nearly 40 years of active shaping of the Irish organic movement, the 2nd generation is now on board - making Ballybrado a true food family company, proud to be 100% organic.
Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2014, Josef received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the development of the organic sector. Pictured are Josef and Marianne with Minister Tom Hayes and Aidan Cotter (Bord Bia) at the presentation of the award.
Our Mill
All our organic grains are carefully ground to order by a 3-foot diameter stone mill in Macroom, Co. Cork, by our miller, Donal. The stone mill grinds the entire grain and moves much more slowly than modern industrial roller mills - this helps to keep the flour cooler during the milling process, thus preserving more nutrients and flavour in our flour. All our wholemeal flours contain all the goodness of the full grain – nothing added, nothing taken away.
Organic Certification
We are certified by the Organic Trust annually. Our organic licence number is 39.
The Organic Trust is Ireland’s premier organic certification organisation and is an acknowledged centre of excellence due to the broad range of organic technical expertise available to its members.
Established as a not-for-profit organisation, the mission of the Organic Trust is to assure consumers that food labelled as ‘organic’ and bearing the Organic Trust and EU organic logos, has been produced to strict standards of organic production. The Organic Trust logo is more than just a trade mark - it is representative of organic standards that have been developed to embody the organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and care.
WORTH KNOWING
Take a look at some of the interesting facts that make our organic flours and grains so amazing!