Changing a country’s food system takes longer than an election cycle. In this episode of Food Matters, Mick Kelly speaks with organic farmer and former Minister of State Pippa Hackett about what it takes to pursue long-term change from inside government, and what happens when political momentum moves on.Pippa reflects on her time as a Green Party minister in the Department of Agriculture, where her responsibilities included biodiversity, land use, forestry, horticulture and organic farming. She discusses the growth of Ireland’s organic sector during her tenure, the resistance that can meet new policy ideas, and why meaningful environmental reform often takes years before its impact becomes visible.Mick and Pippa also discuss the dramatic decline in the number of commercial growers, the power of supermarkets, the lack of sustained state support and the risks this creates for Ireland’s food security. Pippa also explains why her own family farm converted to organic production, how lower-input and regenerative approaches can make farms more resilient, and why healthy soil must be treated as the foundation of a sustainable food system.NOTE: This conversation was recorded several months before publication. Some policy schemes and political developments referenced in the discussion have progressed since the recording, including: 1. The multi-species sward and red-clover schemes Since this conversation was recorded, both the Multi-Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Measures were reopened for 2025. 2. TAMS solar funding At the time of recording, the relevant tranche of solar funding had been exhausted. The TAMS solar scheme is currently open for applications. 3. The Agri-Food Regulator Since recording, additional data-gathering powers have been announced for the Agri-Food Regulator and are scheduled to take effect at the end of 2026. 4. Mercosur This conversation was recorded before the EU–Mercosur interim trade agreement came into provisional application on 1 May 2026. Larry Murrin remains chair of Bord Bia, following further controversy, protests and an agreed governance review.

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