We are delighted to welcome our newest Taste Waterford member – Barefoot Farm, nestled in the heart of Dunhill, Co. Waterford.
On their 1.2 acre organic farm, Paul Ryan and Fiona Slade grow a vibrant range of mixed salad leaves and vegetables, supplying select retailers and esteemed chefs who proudly showcase Barefoot Farm’s produce on their menus. Their commitment to farming, biodiversity, and exceptional flavour runs through everything they do.
Our project manager, Richard Povey, met with Paul and Fiona in October. Here is their story…
Where the roots first took hold
Paul is a second-generation glass blower, following in his father’s footsteps at Waterford Crystal. Later, working at Waterford Airport – where he met Fiona – the couple began growing vegetables in their garden.
This soon expanded into a couple of allotments, and before long, they were ready to take on their first field.
Paul’s interest evolved into a vocation when he enrolled in an organic online horticulture course based in Dromcolliher.
As part of the course’s work experience, he trained with Rory Magorrian of Kildinan Farm, an established organic mixed-salad enterprise.
Paul recalled: “To say I was inspired is an understatement. Rory’s knowledge was vast, and his ethos reflected exactly how I wanted to grow – so from then on, it’s only ever been organic for us.”
Paul’s knowledge has continued to deepen. He completed Jim Cronin’s renowned Market Gardening course in Co. Clare, learning from one of Ireland’s most respected organic growers. Most recently, he attended a short course in Profitability in Market Gardening with the Canadian organic expert JM Fortier, held at Glenbrook Farm in collaboration with Cork Rooftop Farm—further sharpening his skills in efficient, human-scale farming.
In 2018, Paul and Fiona leased land within the Dunhill Eco Park, home to an inspiring community of small businesses, artisan producers, and creative makers. The name Barefoot Farm comes from Paul’s wish to walk barefoot while visiting Altamont Gardens, a simple habit that deepened his connection to nature and the soil beneath him.
Growing with intention
Today, Barefoot Farm specialises in organic mixed salad leaves, including rocket, lettuce, spinach, winter purslane, and red frills. They also grow tomatoes, onions, garlic, and specialist crops like yacon.
Their produce appears on the menus of renowned restaurants and is stocked in select local stores. Visiting chefs often walk the farm to learn, taste, and find new inspiration.
During the tour, Fiona proudly showcased their new cabin and office space, created to bring greater efficiency and flow to the business. The space includes a fully HACCP-compliant packing area, providing room to grow and collaborate.
While Paul heads the growing, Fiona manages all administration and logistics, helping sow the many trays of seeds and supporting the weekly salad packing.
Fiona explained: “We have so much more space now. We have an area where we can invite people to talk about our work and run small workshops and events. We can also make efficient use of our packing room, as we can rent it out to businesses that need a helping hand.”
Working with nature
Paul’s care for the land is evident in every raised bed. He practices building soil fertility while minimising weed pressure.
As Paul describes: “I use a method of weed control and fertility building by growing a cover crop called green manure.”
Where soil is bare, he sows cover crops that protect the surface, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil. Avoiding pesticides and synthetic fertilisers is not simply a guideline; it’s at the core of their approach. The farm is now in the final stages of full organic certification.
Paul also uses an extended-harvest method, leaving the heads of certain plants intact and picking fresh leaves weekly for up to eight weeks. This approach increases flavour, extends productivity, and reduces waste.
Looking to the future
Barefoot Farm is currently trialling microgreens, experimenting with nutritious varieties such as radish and broccoli.
While not yet supplying them commercially, Paul and Fiona are excited about their potential and the added diversity they could bring to the farm.
Where to find Barefoot Farm produce
You can purchase their organic mixed salad leaves at:
• Ardkeen Quality Food Store
• Cove Stores, Tramore
• Quish’s SuperValu, Tramore
Follow their journey on social media
• Facebook: Barefoot Farm
• Instagram: barefoot.farm
