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HomeBeefFarming for Nature awards 2021: Nominations sought
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Farming for Nature awards 2021: Nominations sought

Nominations are sought for Farming for Nature awards 2021.

Farming for Nature (FFN) wishes to expand its network of over 40 ambassadors in 2021 and is seeking nominations of farmers who “are going that extra mile for nature”.

The national initiative highlights the positive role that some farmers play in looking after nature on their land.

Farming for Nature shares practical insights into farms through short films, podcasts, and farm walks.

Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme sponsors the annual national Farming For Nature Ambassador Awards.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Rural Network support the wider FFN initiative.

Celebrate farmers

One of the founders of, and volunteers with, Farming for Nature, Dr. Brendan Dunford of the Burren Programme, said:

“For the past few 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.”

Thomas O’Connor, Farming Ambassador, explained the importance of Farming for Nature to him and his family:

“It’s great to be able to meet all these people who think the same way as we do. Delighted to win the public vote but the real winning was been nominated and meeting like-minded farmers from across the country and spectrum of farming systems.”

“For us, it was a privilege to be there with such high-class people engaged with their land.”

Nomination and selection process

Finally, project manager, Brigid Barry, explained the nomination and selection process for the award:

“Farmers will be nominated by a panel of over 200 heritage specialists across Ireland and then shortlisted based on agreed criteria.”

“We are hoping to hear about farmers who do great things for nature, who farm in a manner that is agriculturally, economically and socially progressive, and who are willing to share their story with others.”

“Short videos on the shortlisted farmers will then be made and used as part of an online voting system by the public in early autumn.”

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