Farmers from across Ireland descend on Laois
Organisers say Stradbally event features practical solutions, lower costs and better outcomes
Farmers from across Ireland have gathered in Stradbally for a farmer-led event aimed at showcasing practical ways to help improve farm profitability, strengthen resilience, restore nature and give farmers back more control over their farming systems.
The sold-out National Farming for Nature (FFN) Festival on June 22 and 23 is hosted by the Walsh-Kemmis family at the Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery.
The organisers say it brings together farmers, landowners, advisors, researchers, food producers and rural communities to share real-life experiences of what is working when it comes to adopting nature-friendly farming practices at farm level.
They say that through farmer-led field demonstrations, workshops and panel discussions, attendees are exploring how healthy soils, thriving biodiversity, clean waterways and resilient farming systems can help reduce costs, improve productivity and secure a brighter future for Irish farmers.
Practical demonstrations include reducing fertiliser requirements through improved soil health, increasing farm resilience through diverse swards and agroforestry, supporting pollinators and other wildlife to improve profit margins, and investing in ‘green infrastructure’ (ponds, hedges, copses) to adapt to a changing climate.
Karl Colton, FFN Festival organiser, BASE member, and tillage farmer says.
“The festival is a chance for all of us who are concerned about the security of Ireland’s food system to come together to share knowledge and learn new skills which will help keep farms healthy and productive for future generations,” he said.
FFN Manager Brigid Barry says also spoke.
"We're seeing farmers ask practical questions – ‘How can I improve soil fertility naturally? How can I reduce costs? How can I make my farm more resilient for the next generation?’ The answers being shared here are coming from farmers themselves, and that's what makes this event so powerful." Lydia Lishman, FFN Festival Coordinator, claims that “the strong response to the event reflects growing interest among farmers in approaches that can improve farm performance while reducing dependence on expensive inputs,” he said.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said he was delighted to support the inaugural festival.
“Events like this demonstrate that Irish farmers are not only producing world-class food but are also leading the way in developing resilient farming systems that work for both the environment and the farm business.
“Initiatives such as this highlight the important role that farmers will play in delivering nature restoration alongside sustainable food production. The exchange of knowledge and experience showcased here provides a valuable example of how working with nature can strengthen farm resilience, improve biodiversity and support long-term profitability. I commend everyone involved in organising this festival and wish it every success as a forum for learning, collaboration and innovation across Irish agriculture,” he said.
Speaking at the Festival, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD said the festival represents an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate farmers in caring for nature and the wider environment.
“A thriving and resilient farming community is essential in our efforts to protect nature, and events like this are so important in terms of sharing good practice, along with learning about research and supports available for nature friendly farming. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the amazing work that is happening around the country and how we can work together for farming and for nature,” he said.
The National Farming for Nature Festival is run in partnership with BASE Ireland and NOTS. The Festival is supported by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, Lifes 2 Good Foundation, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.