Food, Farming, and land to the fore at ChangeMakers gathering in Buncrana

There was a powerful focus on food, farming, and land at the ChangeMakers Donegal Annual Gathering in St. Mary’s Hall, Buncrana, recently.

The Annual Gathering, which marked the close of the June ’25–May ’26 programme, brought together an inspiring line-up.

This included Rupa Marya, Trinity College Dublin, Ollie Moore, Talamh Beo, Mahmoud Zwahra, a farmer from Bethlehem, Palestine, and Joanne Fullerton, of ChangeMakers Donegal.

With immense energy in the room, attendees engaged in meaningful conversations on local resilience and what food sovereignty means to us here in Donegal.

They enjoyed a ‘Food is Medicine’-themed light supper prepared by Cúl a' Tí, celebrating the connection between local organic food, health, and community.

Meanwhile, on the evening of Friday, May 15, a group of up to 60 people participated in a farm walk at Muineagh Organic Farm in Buncrana.

The event was led by local organic farmer Bernard De Ceuster, and visiting Palestinian farmer Mahmoud Zwahra also shared his thoughts, stating: “I can see that you can see what is tomorrow, but in Palestine we cannot see what is tomorrow . . . so enjoy this, and keep rooted and connected to land because this is what gives you the power.”

The weekend attracted around 140 attendees over two days, highlighting the community's strong interest in supporting local farmers, eating healthy organic food, and engaging with nature together with others.