Organic, local and ethical produce at Lowe & Co

Since Lynda McFarland and Eddie Lowe opened their small independent grocery store on Athlone's O'Connell Street ten years ago they have seen a steady rise in demand for their chemical-free, organic, local and ethical produce.

As a trained chef and nutritionist, Lynda says she has always been passionate about “reconnecting people with real food”. From the outset, Lowe & Co has strived to source as much of its produce as possible locally, but more recently the owners have started growing their own produce on their small farm in Ballyforan, which results in only the freshest of organic produce being offered for sale to their loyal customer base.

“All food was organic in the time of our parents and grandparents, and I passionately believe that we need to go back to growing much more of our own produce and move away from the huge range of ultra-processed foods.”

With the close connection between their farm and their shop, Lynda McFarland and Eddie Lowe – who met in the UK – can offer their customers fresh chemical and pesticide-free produce. They also rear chickens and ducks on their farm which enables them to sell fresh, free-range eggs.

Lynda says “people innately know what is good for them, and we are not producing near enough good organic food in Ireland”. She has seen a noticeable shift in recent years in the level of awareness that the public has around the issue of food sourcing and says she regularly gets people coming into Lowe & Co for advice. “I think with all the illnesses around, and particularly the high rates of cancer, people are becoming more and more aware of where their food comes from,” she says.

Lowe & Co hosts regular workshops on fermentation and nutrition which can be booked through the shop or by ringing 087 7927471. They also share seeds with customers and organise plant swaps, and Lynda is on hand in the shop to offer advice to customers on all aspects of their nutritional needs.

The shop is centrally located in Athlone at 8. O'Connell Street and opens to the public Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm.