It is important to acknowledge farmers for taking action to protect and conserve habitats as well as farming more efficiently, the National Rural Network (NRN) has said.

The comment comes as the NRN begins its annual search for Ireland’s biodiversity farmer of the year.

The award is part of the 2020 Macra na Feirme/FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition and aims to draw attention to the importance of biodiversity.

Enhancing biodiversity

The award celebrates farmers who manage their farms in a sustainable manner by protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

Project director of the NRN Seamus Boland said: “Agriculture relies on biodiversity in many ways; bees pollinate crops, earthworms build soil fertility, bacteria breakdown nutrients and insects keep disease in check.

“Ireland’s native fauna and flora are under threat and sustainable farming methods are essential to protect, enhance and halt the decline of biodiversity in Ireland.”

Previous winners

Raymond Langan, a sheep farmer from Co Mayo, won the inaugural NRN biodiversity farmer of the year award in 2018. Alan Doyle, a drystock farmer from Co Kilkenny, took the title home last year.

A shortlist will be drawn up from the entries for the young farmer of the year competition and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in November.

The competition is now open. To enter, click here.