CHAPEL LANE EGGS
CHAPEL LANE EGGS
Whitecross, Co. Armagh
Whitecross, Co. Armagh
Farmer:
Chapel Lane Eggs
PORTFOLIO:
Organic Eggs
FARM VISIT:
April 2021
PACKAGING:
Reusable Trays
LOCAL AREA:
Whitecross, County Armagh
JOHN’S STORY:
We have been organic farmers from 2013 and are certified by Organic Farmers and Growers. We have a total flock of 4500 hens spread over 2 hen houses and 6 acres of land.
ETHICAL GROWING TECHNIQUES | PRACTICES:
Keeping small flocks gives the hens a lot more space, reduces stress and also encourages better outdoor ranging. Our hens have access to the range from dawn to dusk which is fertilised using natural fertilizers only and we have recently planted more trees to create shelter and encourage more biodiversity. We do not use medicated feed, nor do we routinely use antibiotics. We have a great relationship with our meal company, working together to ensure that the meal we use is organic, GM free and of the highest quality. We source our own chicks and rear them on organic meal giving us the assurance that our hens are reared organically from day 1. We believe that good food shouldn’t cost the earth and we work hard to ensure that we provide the best we can at an affordable price in a sustainable way.
JEMMY’S STORY:
I grow two varieties of mushrooms on my farm – Shiitake Mushrooms & Oyster Mushrooms. The Shiitake Mushroom has originated from deep in forests in Japan. The mushroom grows on fallen decaying hardwood timber. Once the mycelium gets established and fruits to produce a magnificent deep earthy tasty mushroom which is also exploding with so many health benefits.
Boosting the immune system, lowering Cholesterol and contain a range of healthy minerals & vitamins. The oyster mushroom has also many health benefits and has grown in popularity in recent years. It was first cultivated in Germany during World War 1 as a main part of the diet for front line troops.
The Oyster mushroom mycelium has scientists extremely excited in what is possible with such an uptapped source. It truly is magnificent to see research for so many different ideas such as replacing leather, fully compostible grown packaging, oil spills and plastic waste.
ETHICAL GROWING TECHNIQUES | PRACTICES:
In the last 3 years I have tweeked and came up with a totally unique blend to create a growing medium for my Shiitake & Oyster Mushrooms. I am the only commercial Grower on the island of Ireland taking this route as I believe something so special has to be developed from scratch. This has led me to create such a unique product that you love and enjoy today. I make my own blend using by products of the Irish horticultural industry from five Counties surrounding my farm in Co.Armagh. I use organic methods to achieve all this with zero chemicals are used in my operation. Once I am finished with substrate it is stock piled and put out on the land at the back end of the year. So everything in the full process has done full circle just as nature intended.
JEMMY’S STORY:
I grow two varieties of mushrooms on my farm – Shiitake Mushrooms & Oyster Mushrooms. The Shiitake Mushroom has originated from deep in forests in Japan. The mushroom grows on fallen decaying hardwood timber. Once the mycelium gets established and fruits to produce a magnificent deep earthy tasty mushroom which is also exploding with so many health benefits.
Boosting the immune system, lowering Cholesterol and contain a range of healthy minerals & vitamins. The oyster mushroom has also many health benefits and has grown in popularity in recent years. It was first cultivated in Germany during World War 1 as a main part of the diet for front line troops.
The Oyster mushroom mycelium has scientists extremely excited in what is possible with such an uptapped source. It truly is magnificent to see research for so many different ideas such as replacing leather, fully compostible grown packaging, oil spills and plastic waste.
ETHICAL GROWING TECHNIQUES | PRACTICES:
In the last 3 years I have tweeked and came up with a totally unique blend to create a growing medium for my Shiitake & Oyster Mushrooms. I am the only commercial Grower on the island of Ireland taking this route as I believe something so special has to be developed from scratch. This has led me to create such a unique product that you love and enjoy today. I make my own blend using by products of the Irish horticultural industry from five Counties surrounding my farm in Co.Armagh. I use organic methods to achieve all this with zero chemicals are used in my operation. Once I am finished with substrate it is stock piled and put out on the land at the back end of the year. So everything in the full process has done full circle just as nature intended.