About John McCormick

John McCormick is a pioneer of organic horticulture in Northern Ireland and the founder of Helen’s Bay Organics, a certified organic market garden he has nurtured for over 25 years. Known for his deep knowledge of soil health, seasonal growing, and small-scale production systems, John has mentored countless growers and inspired a generation of market gardeners. His farm, based on the County Down coast, is a model of ecological resilience and practical efficiency—producing a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and salads with a strong emphasis on quality, taste, and soil care.

John has built a thriving business supplying high-quality, seasonal produce directly to loyal customers through farm shops, restaurants, and box schemes.

At Fields Good, John will lead the session “Deep Dive Into Profitable Market Gardening”, sharing the systems, tools, and decision-making processes that underpin a truly resilient growing business. From crop planning and soil management to understanding your customer and staying adaptable, John’s approach blends practical wisdom with hard won insight, ideal for anyone looking to grow good food and make a living doing it.