Founded in 1989 to coordinate the supply, processing and marketing of organic livestock in Ireland , Good Herdsmen today represents the production of some 200 certified organic farmers and has now grown to become the largest dedicated organic meat processorin Ireland and the U.K.

Both directors of the company, John Purcell and Josef Finke, are firmly rooted in the organic movement and have been instrumental to the development of the organic sector in Ireland . Their own organic farms provide a valuable buffer to even out any imbalances in livestock supply. Good Herdsmen operates out of its headquarters in Cahir, Co. Tipperary, in the south of the island. Their purpose-built meat storage and processing facility was opened by the Minister for Agriculture in 2004.

The fully laid out factory and a staff of 15 offer a full range of processing and packing facilities to serve all parts of the market. Full traceability and HACCP schemes are in operation, the abattoirs are EFSIS approved. Beef, Ireland's number one organic product is also Good Herdsmen's no. 1 product, followed by lamb and other meats. In order to offer full organic meal solutions Good Herdsmen has recently extended its activities into prepared vegetables and ready meals.

About 50% of the production remains in Ireland and is on offer in most multiples and many independent quality food stores and restaurants. Outside Ireland Good Herdsmen serves upmarket retailers in London twice weekly and has regular dispatches to the manufacturing industry on the continent. Good Herdsmen is certified by the Organic Trust.