Farmers are being asked to enter the Farming for Nature (FFN) awards for 2020, with the deadline for entries 31 March 2020.

Farming for Nature is a national initiative which highlights the positive role that some farmers play in looking after nature on their land.

It shares “through short films, podcasts and farm walks, the invaluable, practical insights gained by these farmers in tackling our biodiversity crisis”.

Active network

Now in its third year, the network has grown to an active network of over 20 ambassadors who are inspiring many other farmers across Ireland to be more aware of nature on their land.

Farming for Nature wants to further expand this network in 2020 and is seeking nominations of farmers who are going that extra mile for nature.

The awards are sponsored by Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme and the wider Farming for Nature initiative (www.farmingfornature.ie), which includes a range of farmer-friendly resources, is supported by a wide range of farming and conservation interests including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Rural Network.

Great things

One of the founders of, and volunteers with, Farming for Nature, Dr Brendan Dunford of the Burren Programme, explained that “for the past two years, with Bord Bia’s support, we have been able to acknowledge and celebrate farmers across Ireland who are doing great things for nature.

“Seeing and hearing these farmers share their love of nature, and knowing that they work day-in, day-out to make sure nature has a place on their farms, is really inspiring - to me, these people are our unsung conservation heroes.

“At FFN, we want to share these stories to inspire other farmers, as we are convinced that, with the appropriate targeted financial and technical support, farmers represent a great resource in tacking our biodiversity and climate crises,” he said.

CAP

Another member of the organising group, Dr James Moran of GMIT, noted the opportune timing of the award.

“The Common Agricultural Policy is increasingly recognising farmers as more than food producers and aims to incentivise enhancement of the countryside.

"Recent initiatives around Ireland including EU LIFE projects, results-based payment schemes for biodiversity and DAFM European Innovation Partnerships have highlighted the real appetite there is for farming for nature.

“Many farmers are already farming for nature and this is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements on a national scale,” he said.

For more information on the awards, go to www.farmingfornature.ie or contact Brigid on info@farmingfornature.ie.

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