They say write what you know about. But why not go one step further. Why not teach what you know about? At Keogh’s we know a thing or two about growing potatoes. From when it’s the right time to sow, to the perfect weather and when to harvest. There is a science behind it and we have perfected it. We have been doing it for centuries and we will continue producing Ireland’s finest potatoes for centuries to come. For 200 years we have been driven to produce at the highest standards while having the environment front of mind.

We embarked on a journey to teach our methods and reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. This journey then saw us begin to share our knowledge. Develop skills, make connections and start new friendships.

Our friendship with Vita the ‘Irish Based International Development Agency’ brought us to the highlands of Southern Ethiopia where they have established potato cultivation in the region. ‘Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, but teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime’. Makes sense. So, why not with the ‘humble’ potato?

So, we began to share our knowledge on how to grow a healthy, delicious spud! We were there to lend a hand. Not just give a handout. And that’s what we did, and what we continue to do. We are assisting in providing homes in Southern Ethiopia with custom built fuel saving stoves, which cut down on the amount of fuel burnt. We are also installing wells for fresh, clean water. All these elements helped in cultivating the land and provided a better base to grow potatoes, as well as helping the environment.

Knowledge is power. The farmers of Southern Ethiopia have gained the knowledge and have the power to farm and produce their own potatoes. We are also providing them with the know-how and the tools to grow, harvest and most importantly, store their crop, especially when needed for the hunger months each year. These skills have helped them strive and become sustainable. Our continued work and contributions to Southern Ethiopia have also had a positive effect on all of us here at Keogh’s.

Not only are we helping and nurturing the potential of these farmers, we have been reducing our carbon footprint on the environment and we are proud to say, we are now a carbon neutral business. This is something we are very proud of. We are very humbled by this, and our help and know-how won’t stop. We are in this for the long run.

We shared, and we continue to share our knowledge with farmers in Southern Ethiopia to help them create, sustain and grow their own. Grow their own potatoes and in turn, grow their own business. They have and will continue to develop their skills to farm potatoes. And who knows, in the future begin to produce and sell their own crisps. Like we said, this is an ongoing story, where generations to come will benefit from a cleaner environment, both at home and abroad.

We are Keogh’s. We are spreading sustainability and now, we are powered by knowledge.