More than 19% of the landscape across Carbery Group supplier farms is dedicated to nature-rich habitats, a study has found.

The study, commissioned by Carbery and delivered in partnership with environmental technology company ODOS Tech, was one of the largest biodiversity assessments undertaken across an Irish dairy supplier base.

It analysed 980 farms across the company's supplier network, representing almost 90% of Carbery's milk suppliers.

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The assessment mapped more than 64,800 hectares (ha) of farmland and identified 12,583ha of biodiversity-supporting habitats including hedgerows, woodlands, scrub, broadleaf habitats and semi-natural grassland.

This area of space for nature is larger than Dublin city and equivalent to more than 17,800 soccer pitches, Carbery said.

The assessment also identified almost 4,800km of hedgerows across Carbery supplier farms. Stretching further than the distance from Ireland to Boston, these hedgerows play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, connecting habitats and storing carbon.

The findings provide Carbery with its first comprehensive biodiversity baseline across its supplier base and highlights the significant natural assets already being managed by farm families throughout west Cork.

Carbery plans to use the findings to inform future biodiversity initiatives and support farmers in maintaining and enhancing habitats across the region.

Farm Zero C

The project has its origins in Carbery's Farm Zero C programme at Shinagh Estates, where biodiversity mapping work first highlighted the extent of nature-rich habitats present on dairy farms.

That research evolved into a scalable technology platform developed by ODOS Tech, enabling biodiversity to be measured consistently across hundreds of farms.

This study highlights something many of us have long recognised: productive dairy farming and nature can thrive together

Director of sustainability at Carbery Group Enda Buckley said: "We commissioned this project to better understand the biodiversity resource that exists across our supplier base and to establish a clear evidence base for future action.

“The findings are encouraging. The EU biodiversity strategy includes a target of 10% high-diversity landscape features on agricultural land by 2030 and this study found that more than 19% of the landscape across our supplier farms consists of nature-rich habitats.

“Importantly, the study gives us a robust measure of biodiversity across almost 90% of our supplier base and establishes a strong foundation for future biodiversity initiatives."

Carbery Group CEO Jason Hawkins said: "This study highlights something many of us have long recognised: productive dairy farming and nature can thrive together.

“The findings showcase the significant biodiversity resource that exists across our supplier base and the important role farming families play in maintaining it. As we look to the future, protecting and enhancing these natural assets will remain an important part of building a sustainable and resilient dairy sector."