Ireland: Veganism debate 'plateaus' amid interest in where food comes from - Agri Aware

From farmersjournal.ie

Marcus O'Halloran outlines the recent growth of Agri Aware ahead of the upcoming 30th anniversary AGM 

“I came in to this role in February 2020 and a month later, COVID-19 came. We had 30,000 participants in our programmes at that time,” says Marcus O’Halloran, Agri Aware executive director.

The atmosphere at the time was challenging for those advocating for the typical Irish family farm.

“There was a lot of public debate about veganism, anti-animal farming brigades were prominent. People were trying out different bits and pieces around their diet,” he says.

“That all seems to have plateaued, but there definitely is an eagerness for more information about where food comes from.”

And that is where Agri Aware comes in, with educational programmes in schools, open farm days and a high-profile presence at events like Bloom.

“I believe Agri Aware has responded to that challenge. Our numbers are hitting nearly 150,000 participants at the moment, a five-fold increase in six years,” he says.

Young people

Incredible Edibles is the biggest programme with almost 100,000 primary school children involved in that.

“But the focus is right across the entire educational cycle of primary and secondary, engaging with children from the age of five right up until they are 18. We have a chance to make an impact with children when they’re in that age of influence.”

Marcus O’Halloran, Agri Aware executive director, with ‘Come Farm With Me’ participant and pig farmer Hannah Ryan

“Most young people are very conscious of what they are eating, both in terms of the source of the food, and the animal welfare standards, and in terms of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet,” he adds.

“We’re reaching into urban areas; the highest uptake of our programmes is in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick cities. They’re the areas where people might perceive the greatest challenge for knowledge or understanding of fruit, vegetables and dairy products, so that’s a huge strength of our programme.”

Agri Aware is now celebrating 30 years in existence. With Limerick farmer Shay Galvin the widely respected chair, O’Halloran has been building a team of young and enthusiastic staff to respond to the hunger for food information.

There are now 12 full-time staff, compared to the four-strong team O’Halloran inherited when he came into the role.

“Some of them have been with us for four years, which is good going in this day and age, we’re a tight team,” he says.

It’s also a young team. “We range in age from 22 to 33, all people who are passionate about their work, eager to drive on. Recruits came from teaching, from event management, straight from college.”

O’Halloran believes the work is rewarding. “We can all see the impact we are making when they are at events or out in schools.”

Agri Aware entirely depends on the agri-food community for funding. “We’re at €1.2m of a budget, and while we’re stretching that money as far as we can, to increase our reach we will need to increase that budget,” he admits.

Events for all

Next Thursday 27 August Agri Aware hosts its AGM, reflecting on three decades of advocacy for farming. It takes place at the Harlin family’s dairy Farm, in Kilmessan, Co Meath (Eircode C15 Y7XF).

The AGM begins at 12.30pm. Lunch follows at 1.30pm, then a forum at 2pm where GAA legend Liam Sheedy will speak on leadership, teamwork and high-performance environments. Pre-registration is required for people wishing to attend.

On Saturday and Sunday 29 and 30 August, the Harlins also host the open farm weekend from 10.30am to 5pm each day.

Families are invited to follow the farm trail, watch milking, sheepdog trials, meet the family, sample local food and more,

There will also be cookery and machinery demonstrations.

https://www.farmersjournal.ie/amp/news/news/veganism-debate-plateaus-amid-interest-in-where-food-comes-from-agri-aware-928537

UK: 10 eco-friendly wedding tips for a sustainable ceremony

From veganfoodandliving.com

Want to plan a sustainable wedding that reflects your ethos? Save these vegan-friendly ideas for a celebration that’s kind to animals and the planet

Getting hitched is perhaps one of the biggest undertakings of a couple’s journey together, and to many, their big day must reflect their values.

For today’s compassionate couples, the environmental and ethical impact of their celebrations often comes into question, and for good reason: an average wedding in the UK produces an estimated 14.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions, while one tenth of all wedding food is thrown away. Plus, animal-derived products commonly make an appearance at weddings: from the silk in dresses and the wool in suits to the abundance of meat and dairy on the wedding menu.

But your big day doesn’t have to be so wasteful. Make your celebration as kind to animals and the planet as possible, while never compromising on style and fun with these simple tips for a sustainable wedding.

                                                                                                     Photo © ronedya/Adobe Stock

1. Eco-friendly wedding venues

Choosing your venue will often be the biggest decision you’ll make in connection to your big day. If sustainability is front of mind, you might want to opt for a location where most of your guests won’t have to travel a long distance, thus cutting transport emissions. Enquire about the venue’s energy use and opt for a daytime event to reduce electricity use.

Eco-conscious and vegan hotels are available across the country, such as the fully vegan Beck Hall in Malham National Park, fforest in Wales and Silverhome Manor in Cumbria.

For a less lavish yet memorable event, celebrating your day at an animal sanctuary sends a message of compassion while supporting their running costs.

2. Choosing a sustainable wedding dress

If you can afford it, go bespoke. Sustainably-minded couturier Lucy Tammam, creative director of London-based atelier TAMMAM, says: “wedding dresses can be incredibly wasteful; with bespoke you can choose your perfect fabrics, and with recent innovations there are beautiful semi-synthetics like Tencel that replicate silk fabulously without any animals being involved at all.

“A dress that fits well can be repurposed – we’ve had brides who have dyed them and re-worn them after the wedding.” She adds that going bespoke also minimises waste and guarantees the dress will be used again.

If a bespoke dress doesn’t quite fit your budget, browse secondhand options: there is absolutely no reason why a well-preserved, beautifully made dress should only be worn once.

Wedding dresses can be highly wasteful, but there are ways to minimise your environmental impact and still look stunning. Photo © SewcreamStudio/Adobe Stock

Check out the Bridal Reloved chain of stores or others which offer preloved wedding attire. Oxfam also has a wedding section on its website.

3. Eco-friendly bridal accessories

Finding vegan shoes and other accessories for your wedding attire can seem tricky, but actually, it’s as easy as the click of a button.

See BLOOM Paris’ wedding-appropriate heels, Labante London’s glitzy clutch bags, and ethically made jewellery from brands such as Ana Dyla and Bloomtine, all available at cruelty-free fashion marketplace Shop Like You Give a Damn (previously Immaculate Vegan).

Also look for hair and makeup artists who use cruelty-free and vegan products. If you can’t find anyone who uses exclusively vegan products, then ask if they would be happy to use only products that you supply. It’s also a great opportunity to show how easy it is to create a beautiful look that’s cruelty-free.

4. Vegan wedding suits

For the groom and other members of the wedding party, navigating traditional wool suits and leather shoes can be tricky. However, finding options that are suitable for vegans is easier than ever.

Going bespoke might be worth considering here too. King & Allen works with vegan-friendly materials like cotton, hemp and bamboo, and pays close attention to details such as buttons of corozo nut rather than animal bone or horn. With locations in London, Birmingham and more, King & Allen also arrange home visits.

Dressing the wedding party sustainably can require as much thought as dressing the bride and groom. Photo © shchus/Adobe Stock

If your budget won’t stretch to that, hit up secondhand sites like eBay, Vinted or Vestiaire Collective, where an array of secondhand suits is waiting to be worn.

5. Sustainable wedding decorations

All this wedding planning quickly racks up quite a bill, and if you want to cut both spending and your environmental impact, there are few better options than to go DIY with your decorations.

Plant flowers in small pots to double as both decorations and favours. Dip vintage-looking jam jars in eco-friendly glitter paint and tie ribbons around them for cute decorations.
Consider planet-friendly materials for confetti and outdoor decorations, too, as plastic-based confetti and latex balloons can pollute the environment. Dried flower petals are a beautiful (and fragrant) alternative.

Check out eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Vinted for pre-used wedding decorations such as bunting and paper lanterns.

6. Sustainable wedding stationery

The invitations often serve as a first look at the aesthetic of your wedding.

A cute way to bring a hint of sustainability with your invite is to send seeded paper invitations, which guests can plant and see flowers grow. Alternatively, hire a designer to hand-paint your invitations on recycled paper, using vegan ink.

The invitations are an easy way to demonstrate your wedding's eco-friendly stance from the get-go. Photo © Yana/Adobe Stock

If you choose to give out wedding favours, vegan-friendly options include soy candles, handmade bath bombs, soaps, cake jars, chocolates and sweets.

7. Vegan wedding catering

Food is, arguably, what sets a vegan wedding apart in people’s minds. Luckily, there are many ways for your wedding menu to be memorable while staying kind to all.

Great vegan food is a key element of a sustainable wedding. Photo © Eastlyn Bright/Adobe Stock

Today, many caterers will be open to plant-based menus. However, choosing a fully vegan caterer might offer more peace of mind and allow for more creativity in your menu.
John Bayley, owner of Cashew Catering, says: “Choosing the right meal for you and what best shares your love of food with your guests is what is most likely to succeed on the day.

“As long as you can find the right people to make that happen, choosing what specifically represents who you are as a couple and how you love to eat should not only be the most successful service on the day, but also a straightforward process leading in. If it feels right, then it usually is.”

8. Vegan wedding drinks

Wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks aren’t always vegan. Milk derivatives, honey, and fish organ filtration processes are just some of the ways that animal products can make their way into your wedding’s cocktail hour.

Fortunately, there’s no lack of vegan, cruelty-free tipples, with brands like Amie and Bowl Grabber offering vegan wines and ThinK, Zardetto, Giusti and Della Vite among brands crafting vegan-friendly Prosecco. Meanwhile, the non-drinkers in your party will be pleased to learn that Nozeco is suitable for vegans.

Check with your venue to ensure there are vegan options on the bar, and find out any additional corkage fees if you need to bring your own. For fully self-stocked wedding bars, know that certain specialist retailers will allow you to return any unopened items, reducing waste and overall costs.

9. Vegan engagement rings and wedding jewellery

Wedding rings and other jewellery can present ethical dilemmas as metals such as silver and gold might be connected to problematic mining practices, and diamonds are often linked to human rights violations.

You'll wear your wedding rings for a long time; make sure they're something you're proud to wear. Photo © Yana/Adobe Stock

Do your homework when you choose your sparkle: lab-grown diamonds sidestep mining, making them a more conscious choice. Ethica Diamonds, a Cornwall-based brand, offers lab-created diamonds and other gemstones. Brands like Oh My Clumsy Heart specialise in ethically made jewellery made from recycled metals at an affordable price.

10. Environmentally-friendly wedding entertainment

Make sure your wedding stays kind to animals by refraining from releasing doves or butterflies on the day.

These practices are always cruel to the animals involved. The doves released at weddings often lack the skills to return home safely, while butterflies are commonly shipped in boxes or envelopes, with many dying on the journey. They are then released into climates that are wrong for them, where they are unable to find food.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/vegan-lifestyle/10-eco-friendly-wedding-tips-for-a-sustainable-ceremony/

World Cup Fans Urged to Go Vegan as Animal Defenders Take to Mexico City

From peta.org.au

As the FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico City, animal defenders from around the world delivered a striking message to football fans: “Score for animals – go vegan.” Around two dozen activists, each body painted in the colours of the countries competing in the tournament, gathered outside the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes to urge passers-by to choose compassionate, animal-free food.

                                                  World Cup Fans Urged to Go Vegan as Animal Defenders Take to Mexico City

Advocates from PETA entities, Animal Heroes, and Mexico Save Movement came together to share how animals raised for meat, eggs, and dairy are individuals who value their lives. Cows form friendships, chickens establish complex social hierarchies, and pigs recognise their own names. Yet in today’s animal agriculture system, they are confined in filthy, crowded conditions, transported long distances in extreme weather, and violently killed.

Choosing vegan food spares animals from this suffering – and the impact adds up quickly. Each person who goes vegan can spare nearly 200 animals every year. Eating vegan also benefits human health, with vegans less likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.

The benefits extend beyond animals and people. Animal agriculture is a leading cause of water pollution and land degradation, and cutting animal products from your diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Going vegan is a win for animals, the planet, and our own well-being.

Major global sporting events draw millions of fans and shape culture far beyond the stadium. By choosing vegan food while watching the World Cup – whether at home, in pubs, or at fan events – supporters can turn their passion for sport into a powerful act of compassion.

https://www.peta.org.au/news/world-cup-fans-urged-to-go-vegan-as-animal-defenders-take-to-mexico-city/ 

Ideas for make-ahead vegetarian and vegan finger food

From theguardian.com

Keep things simple, outsource and prep ahead where you can, and never forget the golden rule of canapes … 

My daughter is getting married: what vegetarian and vegan canapes can I make at least a day ahead?
Sue, by email

“Canapes need to be no more than two mouthfuls,” says Barney Desmazery, author of One Dish Four Ways, “unless you’re going to provide something to eat them from, but in my book they’re then no longer canapes.”

You’ll not want anything too labour-intensive. “Sue is going to be making them tens or hundreds of times over, so outsourcing some work with store-bought ingredients is an easy win,” says Richard Makin, AKA School Night Vegan and author of Stress-Free Dinners. Also remember that, as with most things in life, less is usually more: “Good ingredients always triumph over complicated recipes,” says Desmazery, who recalls a wedding he once attended in Liguria, Italy: “There was a round of aged parmesan with knives for guests to break off shards, and that was great.” Granted, parmesan isn’t one for Sue’s vegetarian/vegan spread, but you get the idea.

An overriding theme might be one nice starting point. “Eighties retro is having a revival, so you could have some fun with that,” says Desmazery, who might kick off proceedings with devilled eggs. And vegans needn’t miss out there: “Replace the boiled eggs with halved boiled potatoes,” says Makin, who then pipes in vegan “mayo” mixed with paprika and turmeric for that yolky colour.

Ravinder Bhogal’s devilled eggs, because ‘1980s retro is having a revival’. Photograph: Laura Edwards/The Guardian. Food and prop styling: Kitty Coles. Food assistant: Clare Cole

Or how about vol-au-vents with a creamy, mushroom and tarragon filling? “Take the chill off [on the day] in a microwave, then spoon the filling into the cases,” Desmazery says. And, while you’re about it, knock up some Waldorf salad cups for good measure. “The only problem with going retro is the risk of your guests just thinking you’re old-fashioned,” he warns, so, if there’s any danger of the irony being lost, he’d be inclined to go down the crostini route instead: “Do three toppings, which can all happily be made ahead: a minted pea or broad bean smash, which can be kept vegan or topped with cheese (vegetarian feta, say); sliced figs with soft cheese drizzled with honey; and white bean hummus with sliced artichoke hearts.” On the big day, that leaves just a simple assembly job.

On a similar get-ahead vibe, Georgina Hayden, author of MEDesque, says, “It might sound simplistic, but a selection of bowls filled with various dips, gorgeous crudites and gildas [of sorts] is a glorious thing. Make the dips in advance, prep the veg [cover with damp kitchen roll to stop them drying out], and stud small skewers [or toothpicks] with olives, antipasti and pickles.” You won’t need to put down your drink for Makin’s go-to, either: “Panipuri are perfect because you can buy the crisp shells ready-made, they’re usually served cold and they’re packed with flavour.” A spicy potato and chickpea filling is traditional, but you could happily go rogue and spoon in whatever takes your fancy: “Just have the coriander pani ready in shot glasses for guests to pour in themselves.”

Some say that smoked salmon is the ultimate party food, and Makin pulls off a vegan version with thinly shaved carrot or beetroot. “Boil them for 30 seconds to take the crunch out, then plunge into cold water.” Once drained, submerge overnight in a mix of smoked paprika, lemon juice, black pepper, dill and white-wine vinegar, then serve on crackers with vegan cream cheese. That’s just the ticket for a wedding breakfast, too.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/jun/09/ideas-for-make-ahead-vegetarian-vegan-finger-food

USA: Best Vegan Picnic and Summer Salad Ideas for Memorial Day 2026

From onegreenplanet.org

A vegan picnic is not a compromise. The real challenge of outdoor eating is purely structural: food has to travel without refrigeration for a few hours, hold its quality in heat, and survive transport without turning into a soggy or wilted version of itself. By that standard, plant-based food has some genuine advantages, grain salads improve with time as dressing soaks in, marinated vegetables develop flavour on the road, and whole fruits travel better than anything. This post has been updated for 2026 with current product picks and honest guidance on what actually works for a plant-based summer picnic spread. For grilling equipment, see our best vegan BBQ and grilling products for Memorial Day 2026. For the dressings that hold these salads together, see our best vegan summer salad dressings and condiments 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Grain salads are the best travel-ready plant-based food, quinoa, farro, and wild rice hold their texture for 4–6 hours after dressing, unlike pasta which continues to absorb and soften. According to the British Nutrition Foundation, whole grains provide fibre, magnesium, and B vitamins that make them a nutritionally complete base for a substantial picnic meal.
• Massaged kale salads travel better than any other leafy green — according to Serious Eats, the massage process breaks down the tough cell structure and pre-wilts the leaf slightly, meaning additional time in dressing improves rather than degrades the salad. Romaine and arugula, by contrast, wilt badly under dressing within 30 minutes.
• Marinated chickpea and white bean salads improve over time, the legumes absorb dressing flavour and become more flavourful as they sit. According to a 2015 review in Nutrients, legumes provide a slow-release carbohydrate source that produces better satiety and blood glucose response than refined grain equivalents, making them an excellent picnic anchor.
• Keep dressings separate and add at the last moment for maximum freshness on tomato-based, cucumber, or delicate herb salads. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, grain-based plant-based picnic meals provide sustained energy release ideal for outdoor summer activities. Pack dressings in a Stasher bag or small glass jar for a spill-proof portable format.
• According to the FDA’s food safety guidelines for picnics, plant-based foods not containing mayonnaise or dairy can generally be stored safely at room temperature for up to 4 hours, giving a comfortable picnic window without a cooler for most plant-based salads.

                                                                                                            Image Credit: One Green Planet

Best Portable Vegan Picnic Products for Summer 2026

1. NutriBullet Pro 900 — Best for Fresh Picnic Dressings

Make fresh dressings in the NutriBullet cup the morning of a picnic and transport the sealed cup directly to the site. NutriBullet Pro 900, 900-watt motor, BPA-free, the sealed cup doubles as a leak-proof dressing transport container. A fresh tahini-lemon-garlic dressing made the morning of a picnic is categorically better than any bottled alternative, and this is the tool that makes it practical. Averaging 4.6 stars from over 40,000 reviews. Around $80–100. Honest flaw: smaller capacity than a full blender, a single cup makes enough dressing for a party of 4 to 6 comfortably.

2. GoMacro MacroBar Organic Variety 12-Count — Best Portable Plant Protein for Picnics

The picnic protein problem, keeping plant protein fresh and portable without refrigeration, is solved by quality protein bars. GoMacro MacroBar Organic Variety Pack, Certified Organic, Certified Vegan, 10–11g plant protein per bar. No refrigeration needed. A dozen GoMacro bars in the picnic bag handles plant protein for guests who want something substantial in a zero-preparation, zero-refrigeration format. Averaging 4.6 stars from over 15,000 reviews. Around $28–35 for 12-count. Honest flaw: bars are snack portions, not meal replacements. Pair with grain salad and a legume dish for a complete picnic plate.

3. Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast 4.5oz — Best Picnic Flavour Booster

Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast, certified gluten-free, vegan, B12-fortified. Packs flat, weighs almost nothing, and turns any grain salad or vegetable dish into something that tastes finished and intentional. Note: Grocery 1% commission. A packet of nutritional yeast in the picnic kit is the single most flavour-per-weight condiment available for a plant-based outdoor spread. Around $10–14 for 4.5oz. Honest flaw: nutritional yeast has a distinctive flavour some guests will find unfamiliar. Have a conventional seasoning option available for mixed-diet picnics.

4. Coconut Secret Organic Coconut Aminos — Best Portable Dressing Component

Coconut Secret Organic Coconut Aminos, Certified Organic, Non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, raw, vegan. A small bottle provides enough for an Asian-inspired summer slaw, ginger noodle salad, or sesame-dressed grain bowl for a picnic of 6 to 8. Note: Grocery 1% commission. A pocket-sized bottle of coconut aminos replaces soy sauce, dressing, and savoury condiment for any Asian-style picnic dish. Around $10–14 for 8oz. Honest flaw: sweeter than conventional soy sauce, adjust other sweet components in dressings accordingly.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/best-vegan-picnic-and-summer-salad-ideas-for-memorial-day-2026/