About Us

The first Brown Envelope Seed Catalogue was produced by Madeline McKeever in 2004, and contained 25 varieties. Since then the number of varieties produced by Brown Envelope Seeds and the volume of seed has increased every year. We grow all the seeds on the farm. They are certified organic by the Organic Trust Ltd.

Madeline's daughter Holly Cairns came back from Malta, in May, to join Brown Envelope seeds. She is studying for a Masters degree in Organic Horticulture in UCC at the same time. She also has a part time job in Organico in Bantry.

The Farm was a dairy farm with 12 Jersey cows until 1999 when it changed to beef. The seed business grew from a vegetable growing and seed-saving hobby. If you are interested in buying some of our 'Wild Atlantic' organic beef email us and check out our FaceBook page.

In spring 2005 about half of the farm was planted with broad leaf trees, mostly Oak, Alder and Ash but with small amounts of other species. Now, although we still have a few cattle, seed production is the main activity. We share the farm with the boys.

The farm is on the Turk Head peninsula with the estuary of the Ilen River on one side and Roaring Water Bay on the other. We are lucky to Live in a beautiful part of the world, where winters are mild and summers are relatively warm sunny.