On Friday 10th July, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD, launched The Orchard Way at the Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA) unveiling an innovative community-led initiative that will strengthen Ireland’s horticultural heritage while supporting biodiversity, sustainable food systems and climate resilience.
Developed by ISSA, The Orchard Way is creating a nationwide network of heritage orchards by supporting communities to plant traditional Irish apple varieties in schools, public green spaces, community gardens, farms and private gardens. Together, these orchards will form connected ecological corridors that provide vital habitats for pollinators and wildlife while conserving Ireland’s unique heritage fruit varieties for future generations.
Speaking on the launch Minister Collins said: “The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is delighted to launch “The Orchard Way”. Initiatives such as this highlight the important role that our traditional orchards will play in delivering for communities and biodiversity alongside sustainable food production. To continue to deliver for biodiversity and our national commitments a multifaceted approach is needed. Initiatives such as this complement the national biodiversity effort, support food system resilience and empower communities. I commend everyone involved and wish it every success”
The Minister added:
“This initiative also contributes to the effective conservation and sustainable management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture which is an integral part in addressing some of the key challenges we face as a society. My Department has a lead role in the conservation and the sustainable utilisation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The work carried out by the Irish Seed Savers Association in maintaining their seedbank, which contains a diverse range of seed, along with maintaining the national heritage apple collection supports this objective. I am delighted to be able to provide annual funding of €160,000 to the Irish Seed Savers to support this ongoing important work”
The initiative demonstrates how horticulture can play a central role in building more resilient landscapes and sustainable food systems. By protecting Ireland’s plant genetic resources and encouraging the cultivation of heritage fruit varieties, The Orchard Way contributes to food security, climate adaptation and the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s horticultural sector.
The programme combines heritage fruit conservation with community participation, education, ecological design and citizen science, enabling local people to actively contribute to nature restoration while reconnecting with Ireland’s rich orchard traditions.
The project directly supports ISSA’s mission to conserve Ireland’s plant genetic resources through research, education and community engagement. It also aligns with national ambitions to strengthen biodiversity, increase climate resilience and promote sustainable horticulture by demonstrating how locally-led action can deliver environmental, social and food system benefits.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Elaine Bradley, Executive Director of the Irish Seed Savers Association, said:
“The Orchard Way shows how horticulture can be at the heart of healthy communities, thriving biodiversity and resilient food systems. Every heritage apple tree planted helps conserve Ireland’s unique genetic resources, provides valuable habitat for pollinators and strengthens our connection with the food we grow and the landscapes we share. We are grateful to Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer Barry O’Loughlin and the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, for making this project possible. We are delighted to welcome Minister Niall Collins to officially launch this exciting initiative and to celebrate a project that demonstrates the important role horticulture can play in supporting biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable food production across Ireland.“
The Orchard Way provides communities with practical support through every stage of orchard development—from site selection and ecological design to tree planting, habitat creation, education, citizen science and long-term stewardship. Designed as a scalable national model, the initiative has the potential to establish a connected network of heritage orchards across Ireland that will protect traditional fruit varieties, enhance biodiversity and inspire greater participation in sustainable horticulture.
