The Flahavan’s Oat Grower of the Year Award is back for 2023, to recognise the outstanding work of the conventional and organic oat growers supplying the Waterford-based company.

Oat samples will be judged on grain quality parameters, such as kernel content, bushel weight, moisture levels, aroma, flavour, colour and cleanliness. Once samples have been shortlisted, they will be reviewed by judge and independent agronomist Jim O’Mahoney, who will narrow the numbers down to three finalists for each category.

Jim will then assess the six farms for what Flahavan’s describe as overall grower excellence – including cereal knowledge, farm practices and techniques – as well as examining environmental and sustainability efforts on each farm.

A finalist will then be chosen for both categories – conventional and organic.

Homegrown

Flahavan’s use only Irish oats to produce their porridge. Conventional oats are all sourced within a 60-mile radius of the mill in Kilmacthomas, and 2021 was the first year the company was able to fulfil its organic oats requirement from within the Irish market.

Johnny Flahavan, who is the operations manager at Flahavan’s, stated that he is excited to be launching the awards, as they emphasise the crucial role that growers play in delivering high-quality oats to Flahavan’s customers. He said the competition is a platform to recognise the growers’ hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.

The finalists will receive a luxury Flahavan’s hamper each and the overall winners will receive a Waterford Crystal trophy and a monetary prize. The winners will be announced in late September 2023.

You can read about last year’s winners, Ned Morrissey from Co Waterford and Donal Keane from Co Meath, here.