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Representation in Ireland
  • News article
  • 12 September 2025
  • Representation in Ireland
  • 3 min read

The European Union tent @ 'The Ploughing' 2025 call on Irish farmers to "Go Circular, Grow Organic" (Block 3, Row 9, Stand 199)

This year, the EU tent at Ploughing is connecting visitors of all ages with the principles of organic farming, zero waste, and the circular economy in action.

From tasting products to testing knowledge, every part of the EU tent is designed to show how circular and sustainable choices are not only possible - but enjoyable, impactful, and rooted in Irish farming and food traditions.

 

Step Into Organic Farming - video series

In the build up to the Ploughing, we will launch three short videos featuring Irish organic farmers, produced for our Step into Organic Farming series. These real-life stories show how circular and sustainable practices are already thriving in Irish agriculture. 

 

Meet the Makers!

At the EU tent, visitors can ‘Meet the Makers’ of quality Irish organic produce, sharing their stories of how organic farming and circular practices are beneficial to their work. The Department of Agriculture will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about EU support and funding opportunities for Organic Farming, in line with the EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food – the long term strategy to boost the agri-food sector’s competitiveness and attractiveness.

 

Zero waste recipes & tasting

This year we are partnering with Orla McAndrew, Ireland’s leading zero-waste caterer and media chef, to turn farmers’ organic produce into a unique culinary experience. Using ingredients sourced directly from the farmers featured in our videos, Orla will create exclusive zero-waste finger food recipes. Her creations will be served on the opening day of the Ploughing in the EU tent, showing how thoughtful planning and creativity in the kitchen can reduce food waste without sacrificing taste. In addition, we will showcase material from the European Commission’s "Zero Waste, More Taste" campaign giving visitors even more ideas for turning sustainable principles into everyday action.


 Go Organic with our Smoothie Bike!

Visitors can hop on our pedal-powered smoothie bike to blend their own delicious, organic fruit smoothies - no electricity required! This hands-on activity is a practical and engaging way to demonstrate how circular economy principles can be applied in everyday life. From reducing food miles to avoiding packaging waste, the smoothie bike brings together ideas of sustainability, healthy eating, and climate action in one joyful, interactive experience.

 

Go Circular, Grow Organic – Spin the Wheel

More than just a fun game - it’s a dynamic way to engage participants in quick, interactive questions about organic food and circular living. Whether it’s understanding the benefits of organic farming or the importance of circular consumption, each spin of the wheel nudges participants closer to adopting behaviours that support a healthier planet.

 

Explore Europe!

EU staff and partners will be back at the Ploughing in large numbers to provide information about opportunities to ‘Explore Europe’ – live, work, study and volunteer across the EU. Staff will have information about job opportunities, traineeships, schools’ programmes, school twinning, the EU Solidarity Corps, Erasmus programmes and more!

 

Visitors can find out more about Ireland’s MEPs, and the new Europa Experience – an interactive space located in Dublin City Centre where visitors gain insights into how the EU works and its impact on people’s everyday lives. All participants will be invited  to take part in EU quizzes, games and win unique prizes!

 

The European Union team at the Ploughing is made up of European partners, including the European Commission (EC) Representation in Ireland; the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland; EC Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development; Léargas; Eurodesk Ireland; EURES Ireland; the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and Regional Assemblies.

Details

Publication date
12 September 2025
Author
Representation in Ireland