Since then, the shop has gone from strength to strength as an increasing number of consumers embrace fresh, locally sourced, Irish produce.
Sue’s further studies have also enabled the business to grow since in the last two years as she graduated with a degree in Business and Community Development.
Sue and John have a long association with the world of growing and selling vegetables. Sue’s father started with a horse and cart around 60 years ago in the UK while Sue and John also grew their own produce at home.
Ballagh Farm Shop started as a ‘text and collect’ service over the McMillans’ garden wall before John built a HSE-compliant shop.
Since then The Farm Shop has gone from strength to strength, offering a wide range of artisan goods, fresh veg boxes, and locally sourced eggs, honey, cheese, breads, chutney, jam and much more!
“We are not organic but we are chemical free and we see ourselves as a food hub for local suppliers,” Sue explains.
“We sell a wide variety of vegetables and our Fresh Veg Boxes are very popular too. We have retained our ‘click and collect’ service so our customers can pre-order before 9 am on Friday for collection or delivery on Saturday. Our focus is on locally sourced food wherever possible”.
Sprouting from humble beginnings, Ballagh Farm Shop has been featured in the Irish Independent as an up and coming food business while John and Sue now offer ‘Grow Your Own’ and food preservation courses.
But fresh food and the local economy is the main focus, according to Sue.
“It’s all about shopping local and keeping money in the town. Our aim is to keep it fresh and offer the best vegetables and artisan products we can source to our valued customers,” she said.
You can follow John and Sue’s Ballagh Farm Shop on Facebook and Instagram and at ballaghfarmshop.ie. Located just two miles outside town (F45 EW60) – text or WhatsApp orders to 087-7957190.
