S6E5: Producing food for the planet: Farming for Nature

In this episode, Daithí is joined by Brendan Dunford and Clive Bright from Farming for Nature to speak about the role farmers can play in protecting and working alongside our natural ecosystems. Brendan and Clive explain how Farming for Nature are working to change the narrative around the relationship between farmers and nature and to create an inclusive space which gives farmers a voice and offers them the skills and resources to take action for the environment. As the Creative Director, having worked on many similar initiatives, Brendan has great insight into how best to incentivise and empower farmers to uphold their stewardship practices through providing them with the information, support, and funding whilst allowing them autonomy over their actions. Clive, an organic beef farmer and Farming for Nature Ambassador since 2019, is a great example of the programme’s success as he speaks on how farming for nature, by introducing regenerative farming methods or creating habitats through ponds, has created a feedback loop of increased biodiversity, productivity, and profit on his farm. Thanks very much to Emma Sheridan for support with research, design and promotion.

Links:

1. Farming for Nature: https://www.farmingfornature.ie/

2. FFN Festival - https://farmingfornaturefestival.ie/

3. FFN Handbook - https://www.farmingfornature.ie/product/farming-for-nature-handbook/

4. Burren Life Programme - https://www.npws.ie/research-projects/burren-life-programme

5. Burren Programme - http://burrenprogramme.com/

6. NPWS Farm Plan Scheme: https://www.npws.ie/farmers-and-landowners/schemes/npws-farm-plan-scheme

7. Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/campaigns/agri-climate-rural-environment-scheme-acres/

8. Burrenbeo Trust (Heritage Keepers, The Hare’s Corner, Project ReFarm): https://burrenbeo.com/