Foodtree Collective is a growing network of people and projects dedicated to regenerating Ireland’s food systems through trees, education, and community action.
We combine practical horticulture, ecological design, and social awareness to strengthen the connection between people, food, and the land.
Our Story…
The project began as a small nursery in Tulla, Co. Clare, growing native and food-bearing trees for local gardens and farms. Over time, it became clear that the work that was needed in Ireland went beyond growing — it was about reshaping how we think about food, land, and care.
Today, the Foodtree Collective brings together growers, educators, and ecologists across Ireland to share skills, plants, and ideas that support regeneration at every scale. We believe in working with nature to build local resilience and restore ecological balance.
Who are we?
Foodtree Collective is made up of growers, educators, and collaborators across Ireland who share a commitment to ethical, sustainable land use.
Jason McCormack
Co-Founder | Director
Jason began working in organic horticulture and agriculture in 2014. He has worked for organisations across Ireland focused on food security and sustainability, including the Irish Seed Savers Association, Balinroan Organic Farm and Síolta Croí. He has completed extensive training, earning qualifications from an Organic Farming Diploma to a Master of Science in Organic Farming (Level 9). His research thesis focused on establishing organic native tree nurseries from the remnants of Ireland’s semi-natural woodland.
Jason’s work, and his motivation for founding Foodtree, is driven by the belief that Ireland must strengthen its food resilience: “As an island, we are highly vulnerable, relying on imported food for around 90% of our needs. Let’s continue the pioneering work of those before us and give future generations a better chance by actively creating food trees and resilient ecosystems — rather than depending on short-sighted economic systems that do not serve our long-term interests.”
Briain Walsh
Co-Founder |
Forester | Native Trees Specialist
Briain is forester with a strong background in organic horticulture. He has many years of experience in organic farming, and has worked with heritage and heirloom plants at Irish Seed Savers to ensure future generations have the genetic resources to draw on to produce healthy, abundant food. He has completed a BSc Forestry degree in Ireland.
Briain’s experience, knowledge and expertise in both organic agriculture and forestry, and his vast knowledge native trees, means that Foodtree is well placed to provide a crucial link between different land uses and to help others to create systems that are economically profitable and ecologically regenerative. We believe that the ability of foodtrees to integrate beneficially into the farming system will form the future of food production in Ireland.
Julie O’Hare
Ecologist | Operations Manager
Julie is an ecologist with a grá for the natural world. She holds a BSc in Zoology and an MSc(Agri) in Environmental Resource Management, both from UCD, and has worked in environmental consultancy in the west of Ireland. Julie is passionate about combining ecological education with habitat restoration and preservation. She finds the greatest joy in leading community workshops on topics ranging from vegetable growing to birdwatching. Julie believes that reconnecting with nature is key to solving many of the world’s problems and is dedicated to supporting others on their journey back to the natural world.
Maria Pelczar
Ecological Systems Designer
After 20 years working as a landscape architect in Ireland,, Maria has shifted her focus towards more ecological and community-based work. Her main interests now are in nature-based land management, ecosystem regeneration, and building local food and home security.
In recent years, she has taken part in intensive courses on as Syntropic Agroforestry and Korean Natural Farming, and has spent time volunteering on Irish farms and with organisations that follow ecological principles. These experiences have strengthened her belief that reconnecting people with nature and trusting our own intuition are key to living in balance with the world around us.
In Maria’s own words: “I believe we all have a natural ability to live in harmony with the land and other living things. When we trust our intuition and act with care, we find that we already know how to grow food and create what we need to live well. I want to work with others who share these values and help build a positive and resilient future together.”
George Quirke
Community Education Coordinator
Emer Ó Cearbhaill
Communications Manager
Emer first became involved with Foodtree in 2023. With a background in community and development work, she has a special interest in communications and how creative platforms can be used to foster community and positive social change. She supports Foodtree’s ethos of ecological responsibility, and is inspired to contribute to efforts to increase biodiversity and awareness of food sustainability practices. Emer is a native Irish speaker, and is particularly interested in the relationship between Irish language, landscape and ecology – and how that relationship can inform and inspire sustainability in Ireland.
Aran Shorthall
Nursery Maintenance
The Foodtree Collective 