*Founder of Melody Farm Eggs. Photograph: John Mangan
AN EGG enterprise from Newmarket-on-Fergus has been shortlisted in the top fourteen of EU member states at the European Congress of Young Farmers.
Melody Farm Eggs were discussed within the European Parliament as the Bunratty business came out in the top fourteen of applications from all member states of the European Union.
Young farmers are highlighted and rewarded in the Congress for sustainable and innovative ideas and practices that address the challenges facing the agricultural sector, such as generational renewal, climate change mitigation and adaptation, food security and technological advances. The Prize was introduced in 2012 to better recognise the central role, played by young farmers in rural areas and acknowledge the innovative approaches they apply in their farming activity.
This year’s theme focused on building resilient businesses in rural areas with the Melodys shortlisted based on the growth of their business. Within the past year and a half, a 400% growth has been recorded for Melody Farm Eggs, a venture established by Frank Melody in April 2020.
Their recognition is “testament to what we’re doing” by applying the principle of grassland dairying to poultry leanings, explained Joe Melody. The former Biodiversity Young Farmer of the Year said this will heighten their profile both nationally and across Europe leading to further opportunities. They faced off with companies with huge marketing departments and over ten years experience.
“It is a great honour for us to be shortlisted, it is an endorsement of our work so far, it will open up new opportunities to us, we’ve met a lot of good people through it. A lot of people are very interested in the business, it has opened up a new profile for us and it has put on a European stage, there has been a lot of interest since it has been announced,” Joe told The Clare Echo.
He stressed, “none of this was possible without the support of our customers, we’re really enjoying supplying a high premium egg direct to consumer. We’ve great people around us who have helped us achieve this. The role of young farmers is really important and we are delighted to be flying flag for Ireland in Europe”.
Customers of Melody Farm Eggs from day one continue to avail of their drop-off collection point and trust box in Bunratty but the business has greatly expanded and is now stocked in stores including Broadford, Ennis, Minister’s Cross, Mountshannon, Ennistymon, Nenagh, Quin while Dromoland Castle is one of their main purchasers.
