Teresa Roche successfully runs and produces Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese on her family dairy farm outside Loughrea, Co. Galway. After returning home from living abroad, Teresa was keen to add value to the farm business. She now produces a Swiss type mountain cheese on the farm, and has also opened a farm shop to not only sell her own produce but those of other local businesses, including jams, chutneys, cookies, coffee and some traditional Irish clothing. As part of this successful diversification project, Teresa also opened up the farm gate to the general public by providing farm tours. This gives those not too familiar with where their food comes from the opportunity to experience the farm to fork process without stepping outside the farm gates.
Entrepreneurs like Teresa are not only driving farm diversification but also strengthening the connection between consumers and where their food comes from. By opening her farm to the public and creating a space for local producers, she is helping to bridge the gap between agriculture and the wider community. In doing so, Teresa is also serving as a role model for other women considering diversification or starting their own businesses in the agri-food sector.
Diversification
The Roche family farm, before cheese production, was a traditional dairy enterprise for generations. Teresa, now the 4th generation on the farm, saw the challenges facing the industry such as milk price volatility and this drove her to secure the future of the family business. The farm diversification project was not without its challenges but Teresa's determination and vision for the business is what has made it such a success.
Diversification not only strengthens farm businesses but also contributes to the wider rural economy by creating jobs and attracting visitors. Agritourism, food production and on-farm enterprises help sustain local communities, providing employment opportunities and keeping rural areas alive. Additionally, adding value to farm produce whether through artisan food, direct sales, or eco-tourism opportunities ensures that farmers can capture more of the profits from their work while offering consumers high-quality, locally sourced products. Women, in particular, are playing a vital role in this shift bringing innovation, entrepreneurship, and fresh perspectives to farm businesses, helping to drive diversification forward.
EU Support
Farm diversification projects like Teresa’s are often supported through critical EU and national funding schemes designed to encourage innovation in agriculture. Programmes such as LEADER funding and the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) help farmers develop value-added products and agritourism ventures. Teresa’s journey has been driven by her own passion and determination but access to training and funding opportunities can be a crucial factor for those looking to embark on similar ventures. Many farm entrepreneurs across Ireland have successfully leveraged EU and government-backed initiatives to turn their diversification ideas into viable businesses.
LEADER programme funding in Ireland
The European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food, a roadmap to shape the future of farming and food in Europe
Department of Agriculture Women in Agriculture webpage
- Project locations
- Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland