Ballydangan native growing in National Vegetable Society role

The National Vegetable Society (NVS) Irish Championships at Moate Agricultural Show on Sunday will end the season for fruit and vegetable exhibitors. It will also mark the start of the final year of a three-year term for the society's chairperson, Ballydangan native Raymond Higgins.

The South Roscommon man, who now lives in Cork, became the first Irish member in the society’s 65-year history to be elected chair in August 2025, which he cited as a "proud milestone" both for him personally and for the Irish Branch of the NVS.

The NVS is a registered charity with approximately 2,500 members across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Managed by a Board of Trustees, the society promotes excellence in vegetable growing through education, research, competitions, and public engagement. Its members range from keen allotment and kitchen gardeners to some of the top horticultural exhibitors in the country.

Higgins was a founding member of the Irish branch of the society in 2005, his passion for growing fruit and vegetables stemming from an early age.

"I have been growing fruit and vegetables for over 30 years. I started at the age of 11 with my grandfather and I recall going to Tullamore Show and seeing the impressive exhibits in the horticulture marquee," Raymond said.

The NVS chairperson said the Tullamore Show gave him the inspiration to exhibit his produce and he won his first red card (the highest award for competition exhibitors) at the Mountbellew Show when aged 11. His success has been plentiful both nationally and internationally, most recently winning an All-Ireland title for his vegetable exhibits at the Tullamore Show.

An architect by profession, Raymond said there is "huge interest" amongst the Irish population who want to "grow fruit and vegetables" and "make the most of their outdoor space".

"We have 200 members in the society nationally, while the membership number in the Midlands continues to grow," Raymond added.

Organised into five regional branches, the NVS also operates a network of District Associations (DAs) that hold regular local meetings where members share knowledge, swap seeds and plants and inspire new generations of growers.

The Irish Branch of the NVS holds two major seminars annually at Moore Hall, Ballydangan, on the first Saturday of March and October, drawing members from every corner of the country.

"The seminars in Moore are always well attended. Members exchange ideas, swap seeds and share their growing experiences with each other," Raymond said.

The Irish Championships, a highlight of the growing calendar, have in recent years been successfully hosted at the Moate Agricultural Show, attracting increasing numbers of exhibitors and visitors.

The chairperson said the Irish Championships will be a showcase for the best vegetable exhibits in Ireland featuring 18 competitive classes. These include collections of vegetables, a collection of legumes to include three of peas, runner beans, French beans or broad beans; shallots and onions, potatoes, beetroot, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers.

"Our members have been growing their produce since winter with the NVS Irish Championships in mind and they will have a great opportunity to showcase their months of hard work on Sunday," Raymond said.

The high-calibre judging team comprises Medwyn Williams MBE from Wales and Mark Hall from England, both "experienced and renowned exhibitors".

"Competitors will be judged to the highest standards in Moate on Sunday. Exhibitors make for the best judges and Medwin, in particular, is renowned for his incredible achievement of winning 13 consecutive gold medals at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.

"Both judges' expertise and experience in the world of horticulture will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the competition," Raymond said.

In his capacity as NVS chairperson, Raymond has also judged at numerous competitions nationally and internationally, having passed his judge's exam in 2009.

His judging expertise will be called into action in September when he adjudicates at the South of England Championships in London.

The all-encompassing role as chair of the NVS is one that fills Raymond with a great sense of fulfilment.

"Throughout my time with the NVS, my focus has been on creating opportunities for members to connect, learn, and share. My goal as chairperson is to ensure every member, from the newest recruit to the most experienced grower feels valued and I will continue to lead the society with dedication, enthusiasm, and respect," Raymond concluded.