Small Talk with Val Farrell of IHNSA
Shauna Bernard speaks with Val Farrell, chairman of the Irish Hardy Nursery Stock Association (IHNSA), about his career in horticulture and the key challenges facing the industry today
Print17 April 2025
In association with Tully Nurseries
At Growtrade, we’re running an interview series titled ‘Small Talk’, where we talk to various influential members of Ireland’s horticulture trade. This month’s conversation is with Val Farrell, chairman of the Irish Hardy Nursery Stock Association (IHNSA).
How did you get your start in horticulture?
Well it seemed like a good idea at the start !! And for the love of growing.
What was one of the proudest moments in your career to date?
Representing the nursery industry at the European Nursery Stock Meetings.
What was one of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in your career to date?
The 2010 big frost damage and storm damage.
Give us an example of a recent success you had in your work.
Contract growing for multiple outlets.
What are the greatest challenges facing the industry today?
Low prices, labour shortage and lack of quality substrate.
What are the greatest opportunities facing the industry today?
Apprenticeship schemes for young growers and growth in housing.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career ?
To get as much experience in the industry as possible.
What are your hopes for the future of Irish horticulture?
I hope to see more qualified and experienced horticulturists, as well as growth in the retail trade and garden centre chains.
The Irish Hardy Nursery Stock Association (IHNSA) is a commodity sector within the Horticulture Section of the Irish Farmers Association. It is the representative body of nursery stock producers whose main objective is to advance and protect the interests of primary producers in the hardy nursery stock sector.
Small Talk is produced in association with Tully Nurseries, one of Ireland’s wholesale nurseries supplying landscape contractors, garden centres, DIYs and supermarkets in Ireland and the UK. For more visit tullynurseries.ie
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