Sustainability
Rooted in Nature, Powered by Innovation
At Olly’s Farm, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it is the foundation of everything we do. From the soil our hives rest on to the technology we use to monitor them, every decision is made with the environment, our community, and future generations in mind.
2025 has been a milestone year for our farm's vision. We are incredibly proud to be recognised as double award winners:
WINNER: “Google You’re The Business” – Ireland
– 2025
WINNER: Business Sustainability Category
– South Dublin Local Enterprise Awards
– 2025
Sustainable Beekeeping & Biodiversity
Our primary partners are our bees. We prioritize the welfare of our colonies and the health of the local ecosystem over mass production.
Native Irish Stocks: We invest in resilient, native Irish bee stocks (Apis mellifera mellifera) that are better adapted to our changing climate.
Pollinator Protection: As business supporters of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, we actively educate the public on the importance of pollinators.
Habitat Creation: We don’t just take honey; we give back. We have planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs, and installed bird, bat, and owl boxes to support local wildlife.
The “Open Gate” Philosophy: As a Farming for Nature Ambassador, Olly hosts farm walks and experiences to educate other farmers and the public on how food production and nature can thrive together.
Located in 21 apiaries
Harvested and ready to go
Land Management & Organic Transition
Since arriving here in 2012, we have practiced organic farming methods. We believe in feeding the soil to feed the future.
• Going Official: We have formally submitted our application to the Organic Trust to become Certified Organic. While we await the stamp, our practice remains the same: zero synthetic fertilisers, zero pesticides, and zero herbicides.
• Water Conservation: We treat water as a precious resource. We harvest rainwater from shed roofs for our animals and vegetable garden, utilising drip irrigation in our polytunnels to minimise waste.
• Chemical-Free: By avoiding chemicals, we prevent runoff into local waterways and protect the soil microbiome.
Technology Meets Tradition
We believe a traditional farm can be a smart farm. Our approach—blending nature with digital efficiency—was a key factor in our recognition by Google's "You're The Business" initiative.
• Smart Hives (IoT): We are currently testing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors inside our beehives. These monitor hive health remotely, reducing the need for physical inspections and lowering our carbon footprint by reducing travel between apiaries.
• Renewable Heating: We have transitioned our honey house heating to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). This is a clean, renewable fuel source that significantly lowers our emissions compared to standard fossil fuels.
• Solar Ambitions: We have submitted a TAMS grant application for a 16kW solar array with 16kWh battery storage, aiming to generate and store our own clean power.
• Smart Energy Use: We utilize smart plugs and automation to run high-energy tasks (like charging our electric forklift) during off-peak night hours, balancing the grid and reducing demand.
Our Passion
We aim to keep resources in use for as long as possible, minimising waste and imports.
• 100% Sustainable Beeswax: Post-Brexit, importing clean foundation became difficult and risky. We now filter and recycle our own beeswax on-site to create new foundation for our hives. This makes us self-sufficient and protects our bees from imported pests and diseases.
• Packaging Promises: As of late 2024, we have completely removed plastic packaging from our supply chain.
• Composting: We compost all organic farm waste to create nutrient-rich fertilizer for our gardens, diverting waste from landfill and returning nutrients to the earth.
Building a Resilient Business
Sustainability is also about economic stability—ensuring Olly’s Farm is here for years to come. Through programs like Green for Micro and Lean for Micro, we are constantly refining how we work.
• Lean Operations: We have optimized our workflows to reduce waste and time, allowing us to focus on what matters.
• Supply Chain Security: We no longer rely on single suppliers. By diversifying where we source materials, we ensure stability even when global supply chains are disrupted.
• Economic Sustainability: By expanding into education, beeswax products, and corporate gifting, we are building a robust business that supports the local economy and provides employment.
Awards & Credentials
Our efforts have been recognised by industry leaders, environmental organisations, and global technology partners.
WINNER: “Google You’re The Business” – Ireland
– 2025
WINNER: Business Sustainability Category
– South Dublin Local Enterprise Awards
– 2025
Farming for Nature Ambassador (Present)
– 2019
Green for Micro Completed January
– 2024
Lean for Micro
– 2023
Strategic Leadership for Growth
– 2024
i-STARS Project (EU Sustainable Tourism)
All Ireland Pollinator Plan (Business Supporter)
