Latest news with #FarmingforNature
Irish Examiner
16-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Spotlight on female-led sustainability launched
The 'Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability' booklet was launched by the Minister of Agriculture, Martin Heydon. The booklet launch is part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, which aims to promote the role of women in improved social, environmental and economic sustainability for the sector. The Women in Agriculture Working Group, responsible for the delivery of the Action Plan, developed the booklet, which profiles twelve female farmers, fishers, foresters, and food producers innovating in sustainability. Increasing the visibility of women's contribution to sustainability across the sector provides positive female role models to inspire other women and young girls. As part of the launch, Minister Heydon visited the stud farm of Mariann Klay in Swordlestown, Naas, Co Kildare, whose sustainability initiatives were highlighted in the booklet. Farmer, Mariann Klay, with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, on her stud farm, Swordlestown Little Stud Farm, Naas, Co. Kildare. PIC: Maxwells Ms Klay believes that incorporating and encouraging greater biodiversity has been a key part of their successful stud farm. A full-time farmer since 2003 and an active Farming for Nature ambassador, Mariann proudly promotes improved sustainability and biodiversity on her farm. Minister Heydon acknowledged the importance of the contribution women make to the Irish agri-food sector at the launch, especially in areas of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. 'Advancing the role of women in agriculture is a key priority for me and is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future of the sector is widely recognised and it is important that we continue to build on the progress of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan. Sustainability is one of the areas in which women are leading the way for the sector, contributing to a resilient and viable sector for future generations of farmers,' he said, reiterating his commitment to supporting women in agri-food roles.
Agriland
03-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
Festival of Farmland Biodiversity celebrates hedgerows
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is currently hosting the month-long Festival of Farmland Biodiversity, which is focused on our hedgerows. This year's virtual festival celebrates the value of the native species-rich hedgerows that crisscross the Irish landscape. Hedgerows provide food (such as blossom and berries), create wildlife corridors, help with shade and shelter for livestock as well as field drainage, and offers a habitat for beneficial insects. The festival, which continues until the end of May, will also highlight some of the ways that farmers can work to support nature on their farms. Festival of Farmland Biodiversity farm walk. Source: Ruth Wilson As part of the festival, there are a series of walks and talks on farms across the country which will allow farmers to see this work firsthand. The walks will be hosted by National Biodiversity Data Centre, Farming for Nature and and the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) Breifne team. Ruth Wilson, farmland pollinator officer with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, told Agriland that some of the work being undertaken by farmers for nature and biodiversity on their lands will be showcased during these events. 'You can notice year-on-year greater interest from everybody, and the farmers are keen to share what actions they are taking on their farm,' she said. Hedgerows This year's festival will include a photography competition where people can submit images of hedgerows under four categories: Best Blossom; Best Shelter or Shade for Livestock; Best Margin for Wildflowers and Best Hedgerow Network. Along with prizes for the categories, the judging panel will also select the overall best hedgerow photo which 'really stands out'. The festival includes a photography competition Wilson added that the National Biodiversity Data Centre will be launching an online course focused on pollinator-friendly hedgerows this month. 'The course covers the wonderful native species that we find in our hedgerows, and how best to manage them as well to benefit pollinators and biodiversity,' she said. Farmers are being invited to take part in the Festival of Farmland Biodiversity by sharing content on social media about biodiversity on their farms (using the #FarmlandBiodiversity tag), in particular hedgerows. They can also submit biodiversity sightings of different species and plants on their farm as part of a long-term project being run by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. 'If you see it on your farm, you can learn more about it and send your records in. We're always very keen to get records in to know the species is there,' Wilson said. Further details on the festival and the various events can be found on the National Biodiversity Data Centre website.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Waitrose £500k fund to support British farmers' net zero transition
UK-based supermarket Waitrose has introduced a £500,000 fund to help its network of British farmers reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is an extension of the retailer's Farming for Nature strategy and will provide financial support for projects that promote low carbon farming methods among farmers and suppliers. Grants from the net zero farm fund will be available to individual British farmers or producers who have a business relationship with Waitrose. The scheme is set to finance projects that lower carbon emissions from products supplied to Waitrose and enhance farmers' capacity to withstand climate change impacts. Waitrose executive director James Bailey said: 'We know every farm is unique and we want to ensure that our Waitrose farmers have the support they need to make nature-friendly changes that work for them. 'The fund is about giving farmers access to financial backing to invest in sustainable practices that will benefit their farms in the long run and support a rapid reduction in the carbon footprint of the food we eat.' The fund will cater to both minor and major investment projects. It builds upon an earlier £1m investment in a programme to make affordable financing available and provide resources to transition towards regenerative and low-carbon agriculture. John Lewis Partnership ethics and sustainability director Marija Rompani said: 'With our commitment to our UK farming supply base reaching net zero by 2035, its key that we work closely with our suppliers and farmers and go on this journey with them, by supporting them to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the products they supply to Waitrose. The announcement is part of Waitrose's broader ambition to attain net zero emissions across its UK farms by 2035 and across its entire supply chain by 2050. "Waitrose £500k fund to support British farmers' net zero transition" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
