Flahavan’s took in about 10,000t of organic oats for harvest 2025 and aims to increase this figure next year to “close the gap” between Irish oat supply and demand.
Demand for organic oats has increased dramatically in the past 11 years. Flahavan’s had just 46 suppliers of organic oats in 2014, and in 2025 the number of growers stood at 196. At least another 2,000t and 50 new growers will be needed to supply this extra grain.
“Every tonne grown here at home reduces our reliance on imports and strengthens Ireland’s sustainability, something our customers really value,” Johnny Flahavan told the Flahavan’s organic oat growers’ conference held in Portlaoise on Tuesday.
James Flahavan told the Irish Farmers Journal’s Tillage Podcast that the company paid €415/t for organic oats this year and €205/t for conventional oats. The conventional price is €55/t above what some farmers have been offered for oats for animal feed.
Martin Bourke of Teagasc said organic spring oats at a base price of €415/t, yielding 2t/ha (0.8t/ac) can make €315/ha (€127/ac) on owned land, while a 5t/ha (2t/ac) crop can make €1,560/ha (€631/ac).
Niall Ryan of the Department of Agriculture told the crowd that the Organic Farming Scheme will reopen in November and the Department will be prioritising tillage farmers’ entrance.
James O’Connell from Co Tipperary was announced as the organic oat grower of the year for 2025 at the conference. James has been supplying Flahavan’s since 2017 and the grain he delivered this year reached 62-63 KPH. He mainly grows winter oats, along with spring oats, winter barley and winter wheat and has drystock on the farm.
Johhny Flahavan said the award celebrates excellence, innovation, care and consistency over time.
He showed data outlining how the quality of organic oats being delivered to the mill in Kilmacthomas has improved consistently over the past 11 years.
In 2014, the average KPH of organic oats was 52. The average KPH in 2025 was 56.5, while the three-year average KPH in 2025 was at 55.7.
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