Flahaven's unveils €1.8 million oat storage infrastructure in Waterford

Flahavens in Waterford has unveiled the company’s new €1.8 million organic oat storage infrastructure.

The investment comprises eight new 850-tonne silos, providing additional storage capacity of 6,800 tonnes.

The project received support through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Enterprise Ireland.

The infrastructure project was unveiled during a visit by EU Organic Ambassadors from across Europe to the mill in Kilmacthomas.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin HeydFlaon said it was positive to see continued investment made by Flahavens.

“Increasing domestic storage and processing capacity is an important part of supporting the growth of organic production, strengthening the market for Irish organic growers and helping to deliver on Ireland’s ambitions for the sector,” said Minister HeydFlaon.

Flahavens say the new facilities significantly increase Flahavan’s capacity to intake and store organic oats on site, providing the company with greater control over crop segregation, quality and continuity of supply.

Organic oats now account for approximately half of all oats milled by Flahavan’s.

The additional infrastructure will support the continued growth of the company’s organic business in Ireland and across its international markets.

The EU delegation visiting Flahavan’s included 35 Organic Ambassadors representing 23 countries, together with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

EU Organic Ambassadors are officials appointed by EU Member States to champion organic production at national level and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practice across Europe.

During their visit, the delegation learned about Flahavan’s oat-milling process, its work with Irish organic oat growers and the company’s experience in developing domestic and export markets for organic oat products.

Johnny Flahavan said they were delighted to welcome the delegation.

“Organic oats have become an increasingly important part of our business, and we continue to invest in the infrastructure, grower relationships and market development needed to support that growth.

“For us, a key part of that is continuing to build a strong and resilient Irish organic oat supply base. The visit is a valuable opportunity to share our experience of developing the sector in Ireland and to learn from colleagues across Europe,” said Mr Flahaven.

The EU Organic Ambassadors’ visit forms part of a three-day programme in Ireland, organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The programme showcases Ireland’s organic sector through visits to businesses, farms and processors, while supporting greater knowledge-sharing and cooperation with European partners.