A new project has been launched in Ireland to promote biodiversity-friendly farming (BFF) networks.

The FarmBioNet project aims to enable all farmers to understand how biodiversity-friendly their farm is, and the simple, low-cost actions they can take to improve their whole farm in this regard without negatively impacting on productivity.

The Teagasc-led project, which is funded by the EU, wants to encourage the establishment of farming and biodiversity national networks consisting of farmers, foresters, researchers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), advisors, and lawmakers.

The national networks will facilitate the exchange of both traditional and evidence-based actions to promote biodiversity on farms.

The networks will gather and share knowledge relating to BFF practices. They will also host workshops, farm walks, and national and international farm exchange visits.

The Irish national network had its first meeting last month, with a total of 46 attendees from a range of backgrounds including farmers, advisors, academic and research, education, NGOs, business, and policymakers and government. 

The meeting introduced attendees to the FarmBioNet project and the goals of the national networks. Attendees were also invited to work together and identify BFF practices that could be adapted for the project.

Project coordinator Dr. Saorla Kavanagh said that ensuring a diverse representation of backgrounds within the national networks would be a priority.

“We want to promote the exchange of traditional and evidence-based actions that benefit farm biodiversity and that work for farmers,” she said.

According to Teagasc 30 people have already signed up for the network.

One of those was dairy farmer Rachel Creighton, who highlighted the possibilities of the project.

"This can be positively adopted throughout the agricultural sector and importantly gives farmers a voice in this change," Creighton added.