Airfield Estate, in Dublin, hosted an event this month, aimed at connecting and empowering the people behind the produce that fills Ireland’s hotels, restaurants, cafes and markets.
Cultivating Storytelling: A Gathering of Growers brought together over 40 growers, suppliers, and key stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and strengthen the sector, as it faces new challenges. Attendees included the head gardeners from Castle Leslie, Kilruddery House, Mount Congreve and Russborough House.
“As the demand for sustainable, locally sourced food continues to rise, this event provided a space for growers and suppliers to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another,” said Claire Mac Evilly, CEO of Airfield Estate.
The gathering featured a talk by August Bernstein, head gardener at Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, in Oxfordshire. Bernstein shared her personal journey, highlighting the vital role of locally grown food in elevating the restaurant experience and offering practical tips for enhancing sustainable growing practices.
‘Future Generations’
“When people are dining out, they are looking for memorable experiences, and tasting quality fresh produce at its absolute peak is instrumental to this,” said Bernstein. “As an often-overlooked part of the food chain, it is key that we have the requisite supports to preserve the traditions and practice for future generations. Ireland has a reputation for producing world-class ingredients, and this should be protected.”
Cultivating Storytelling celebrated community and shared learning. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow growers, share experiences, and discover new ways to meet industry challenges together. The event aimed to bring a fresh perspective to Ireland’s food-growing community and to foster new connections.
Gavin Kenny, head gardener at Airfield Estate, brought sustainable farming and local food production to the conversation, while the event was chaired by Professor Mary Brennan, a food consumer researcher from the University of Edinburgh. Brennan’s work explores the complex and evolving relationships that people have with food, particularly how these connections shape food practices and inform contemporary food policy. Comedian and Dublin Story Slam host Colm O’Regan shared his expertise on the art and impact of storytelling.
‘Davos-Style Event!’
“We see a lot of events for chefs, but growers are at the start of a very important chain,” said Airfield’s Mac Evilly. “Cultivating strong relationships and fostering knowledge-sharing is key to navigating the challenges we face, ensuring the resilience of our sector.”
She concluded, “We want this to become a Davos-style event!”
