This farmer to farmer mentorship on how to improve biodiversity and remain productive on your farms is now open for applications
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Farming For Nature (FFN) are delighted to announce the 2023 Horse’s Mouth farmer to farmer mentorship is now open for applications until the 10th June. The advisory service is available for 50 farm across Ireland to receive on-the-ground practical advice from fellow farmers.
“Many farmers have asked us for a fellow farmer to visit and provide practical tips on what they can do to improve the environmental condition of their farms and still continue to farm productively. This service is a way to find out how the Farming For Nature Ambassador do it on their own farms – from the horse’s mouth as such. says Brigid Barry, FFN Coordinator.
Farming For Nature have a thriving network of farmers – the Farming For Nature Ambassadors, who have offered their time and expertise to be mentors on this programme. The Horse’s Mouth involves one of these mentors carrying out an informal walk on the host farm and share simple, practical advice and encouragement. In order to be considered as a host farm for a farm visit please visit our website and fill out the simple application form by the 10th June. The host farmer pays a nominal fee of €50 to the visiting mentor and we pay the rest. Farming For Nature aims to pick 50 farms this year to partake in this project with the view of expanding the concept into the future.
As you can see from the 2022 feedback from previous participants, this has been very helpful for farmers receiving these visits. It was a fascinating and stimulating visit. I immediately found myself looking at our own farm with fresh eyes and full of new ideas. I think the two of us could have stayed chatting for hours! Farming can be a very solitary pursuit, and it is important that we, as farmers, periodically bring in outside perspectives and support(s). Farming For Nature Ambassadors demonstrate that environmental protection/enhancement and profitability do not have to be mutually exclusive. I think that this is an important aspect in attracting a great number of farmers towards farming alongside nature, especially younger generations of farmers. I think that there is often a misconception in agriculture that it is one or the other. Michael Doherty, Farmer, Co.Sligo. Participant 2022.
It was a great visit. Our mentor was like a walking encyclopaedia. I have never had anyone come to visit the farm and give new ideas before. It was an enlightenment. Also, things that are actually there that I had completely taken for granted. Niamh Doddy, Farmer, Co.Sligo. Participant 2022.
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