Teagasc at Bloom 2024
Bord Bia Bloom is one of the biggest horticulture events in Europe.
Bloom is a general garden and lifestyle show with approximately 100,000 people attending over the five days. In 2024, it took place from 30 May - 3 June 2024.
Horticulture is Life
Supporting Irish Growers Towards a Sustainable Future for All
Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine came together at Bloom to create an inspiring, informative and educational feature in the Food Village. Under the theme “Horticulture is Life”, the interactive feature exhibited how the organisations work collectively to support the Irish Horticulture Industry and growers, to deliver top quality local sustainable produce and plants. The feature highlighted and profiled the importance of our domestic horticulture industry and the role it plays in securing our national food supply in a sustainable and innovative way into the future.
View some of the plants that were on display at the Teagasc Stand
On the stage
The stage programme featured daily demonstrations and talks on a range of topics.
- exploring the splendour of the planted garden that surrounds the feature
- bringing the beauty of Ireland’s blooms indoors with cut flower and foliage
- the importance of biodiversity
- getting to know our trees
- how to be successful with houseplants.
It will featured talks on the multiple benefits of the potato to recognise International Potato day.
Teagasc speakers on the stage
Thursday May 30th
- The splendour of the Teagasc Garden at Bloom (pdf) with James Brady & Chris Heavey
- Potato Pioneers - 60 years of potato research (pdf) - Denis Griffin
Friday May 31st
- Bringing the beauty of Irelands Blooms indoors with fresh cut flowers and foliage (pdf) - Andy Whelton and Dónall Flanagan
- Serving a rainbow of health with seven a day (pdf) - Sinead McCarthy
Saturday June 1st
- Serving a rainbow of health with seven a day (pdf) - Sinead McCarthy
- Potato Pioneers - 60 years of potato research (pdf) - Denis Griffin
Sunday June 2nd
- Fruit trees - The Delicious and Eco-Friendly Solution to Environmental Challenges - Alberto Ramos Luz
- Teagasc Horticulture Apprenticeships - getting started with your career in the industry (pdf) - John Mulhern
Monday June 3rd
- House Plants - Secrets to success from the experts (pdf)- Shane Brett and Dónall Flanagan
Edible horticulture
On edible horticulture, fresh produce and its role in good food nutrition was explained. Other topics included:
- how to reduce food waste
- innovation in potato research
- a focus on fruit trees and their environmental benefits.
Other highlights
- Plant health was also explored and what to look out for in the garden.
- There was an opportunity to hear from both conventional and organic growers on how they got into horticulture and what they do to bring local seasonal produce to the plate.
5 points of interest on the Teagasc exhibit
The Future of Food
Teagasc Horticulture Development Department looks at the future of food including snapshots of the research and advisory activities that support Irish growers. The science of crop and plant production was brought to life by Horticulture research and advisory staff by demonstrating a high tech vertical tower used to grow herbs in hydroponics, under LED lights.
Horticulture Education
Horticulture education explains the options for lifelong learning and apprenticeships in horticulture; Education was represented by the Teagasc College of Horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens and Kildalton College in Kilkenny.
The plantings on display at the stand showcased the training that is available at our College in the National Botanic Gardens and Ashtown and visitors could speak first hand with our expert staff who have built these displays.
Biodiversity
Teagasc environment speaks to the value of our native flora and fauna in terms of biodiversity.
Forestry
Teagasc Forestry stand highlighted its work in optimising the multifunctional benefits and potential of our forests.
Crops
Teagasc crops brought the Irish potato centre stage and explained its historical significance and future potential.