Mr Jeffares Blackcurrants

17/08/2026

Very proud of my wife Margaret and Good Food Ireland driving Irish culinary tourism and how it has created commercial opportunity for farmers, fishermen and producers over the last 20 years👏💚

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Bord Bia - Irish Food Board Martin Heydon Irish Farmers' Association

The Good Food Ireland chief executive on tourism, food trends and the ‘bacon-and-cabbage’ issue

12/08/2026

Thanks to Sarah Slater at The Irish Times for featuring the significant challenges around growing Irish blackcurrants as a result of climate change. While commercial adaptation is ongoing departmental strategies need to be cognisant in its delivery to growers.



Martin Heydon Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Irish Farmers' Association Bord Bia - Irish Food Board Irish Farmers Journal Good Food Ireland

Read 👉 https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/07/29/extremely-demoralising-veggie-farmers-say-bumper-harvest-going-to-waste-in-hot-weather/

26/07/2026

10/07/2026

🌟Today saw the start of the 2026 Blackcurrant harvest for Des and Margaret on their MR Jeffares Blackcurrants Ballykelly Farm 🙌

In gleaming sunshine and a light breeze, it was exactly how a fruit harvest should be and the berries looked great 🙏

Long may the sunshine continue till we get all the blackcurrants harvested.

01/07/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Peter Jeffares, beloved father of Des 💔

Peter was one of life’s true gentlemen, a humble and deeply kind man. He never sought recognition or praise and those who knew him will remember his quiet strength, generosity and gentle nature.

He was an exceptional farmer whose life at Ballykelly Farm was dedicated to the land and to his family. A highly skilled blackcurrant grower, known far and wide around the world and a respected sheep breeder. His hard work, knowledge and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy.

Although horses were never Peter’s own passion, he was a true stockman. He had an extraordinary instinct for livestock, often quietly observing a young foal before simply saying, “That foal needs a dose.” More often than not, he could see it before any of us.

Rest peacefully, Dad (Peter) 🙏

Ballykelly was your home, your life’s work and we are proud to carry it forward. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten 💚

https://rip.ie/death-notice/peter-david-jeffares-wexford-drinagh-635133

29/06/2026

Applications are NOW OPEN for the The Good Food Ireland® Food Lovers Choice Awards - in association with FBD Insurance taking place Monday, November 16th at our host partner InterContinental Dublin

Whether its a small cafe, a bakery, or a well known restaurant, a food producer or a hotel, every food and drink business deserves a shot. So nominate your favourite business today.

It's FREE to enter, and open to ALL businesses that align with the Good Food Ireland® philosophy of local sourcing, sustainability, and great Irish food and drink.

Winners will be announced at the Good Food Ireland® Awards Gala Dinner - Monday 16th November, 2026 at the InterContinental Dublin

Apply or be nominated from today, 22nd June - 27th July 27
Public voting opens: 1st - 14th September

This is YOUR chance to be recognised and supported by consumers across Ireland and beyond.

Find out more and APPLY HERE: https://goodfoodireland.ie/food-lovers-choice-award/

29/06/2026

Applications are NOW OPEN for the Good Food Ireland® Best Irish Seafood Experience Award 2026, proudly sponsored by BIM.

This new award recognises businesses across the island of Ireland that showcase the very best of Irish seafood while creating memorable visitor experiences through food, hospitality and storytelling.

Open through direct entry or public nomination, the award celebrates those championing Irish fish and shellfish and bringing Ireland’s coastal heritage and maritime traditions to life.

It’s FREE to enter and open to businesses that place Irish seafood at the heart of their visitor offering.

The winner will be announced at the Good Food Ireland® Awards Gala Dinner on Monday 16th November 2026.

Apply or be nominated from today, 24th June – 27th July 2026.
Public voting opens: 19th August – 2nd September 2026.

This is your opportunity to be recognised as one of Ireland’s leading seafood visitor experiences.

Find out more and apply via the link in bio or by visiting:
https://goodfoodireland.ie/awards-2026/

26/06/2026

Great to see my wife Margaret Jeffares, Founder & CEO Good Food Ireland featured in The Sunday Business Post 😍

Meet the Woman Behind Good Food Ireland®

Ever wondered what a typical week looks like for the founder of Good Food Ireland®?

From championing Irish food and drink producers and meeting industry partners to finding time for family, horses and reflection, Margaret Jeffares shares a glimpse into her life in The Business Post “Diary of the Week". As we celebrate 20 years of Good Food Ireland®, it's a chance to get to know the woman behind the vision that has helped shape Ireland's food story.

Read More via link in bio or by visiting > https://www.businesspost.ie/life-luxury/margaret-jeffares-diary-from-planning-food-experiences-to-getting-ready-for-horse-shows/