Farming For Nature Europe

We now have 42 Farming For Nature Ambassadors throughout Europe since first setting up awards in other countries in 2021. Read more about them and their growing networks below. Interested in setting up a network in your country? You can contact us here to find out more, or see our Ambassador Awards FAQS here. 

Working on the Farming for Nature Ambassador Programme over the past number of years, we’ve come to realize that many of the same challenges and opportunities that exist here in Ireland around farming and nature are shared by countries across Europe. Among them, the negative narrative that dominates discussions around farming and nature. While unsustainable farming systems do exist, they shouldn’t disguise the outstanding work done by many farmers on the ground in these countries – it’s from these farmers that the practical solutions for a more sustainable rural future will emerge.

We’d love to see Farming for Nature Ambassadors across Europe ‘speaking up’ and sharing their inspiring stories so that peers, policymakers and the public can gain a better understanding of the potential of farming to address the crises in climate, biodiversity and food nutrition. As a small non-profit which relies on a lot of voluntary input, we don’t have the resources to do this but we are keen to support those who would like to do so, and share our learnings and resources with them.

We were delighted to connect with some wonderful colleagues in Lithuania and Austria in 2021 and Northern Ireland in 2023 to help them on their journeys in establishing Farming For Nature Ambassador Awards programmes. Looking at the nominated farmers and the short films – some of them featured here – it’s exciting to imagine an active European network of such farmers and the cross pollination of experiences and other opportunities that might arise. The awards have continued in these countries, with new Ambassadors being nominated each year and more awards scheduled for 2025. There are now over 40 Farming For Nature Ambassadors outside of our network in Ireland. 

We wish these countries the best of luck with their work and congratulate their Ambassadors for their outstanding work. If you are interested in establishing an Ambassador Programme in your country, or if you are a funder who would like to support this work, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Farming For Nature Northern Ireland

The Ambassador awards in Northern Ireland started in August 2023 and were hosted by the Nature Friendly Farming Network in partnership with FFN and funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund. In December 2023 six new Ambassadors were awarded and in September 2024 three more were officially introduced at the Fields Good in Northern Ireland.  All farmers are being recognised for their holistic, nature-friendly approach that supports nature and biodiversity, while ensuring sustainable food production. The latest Ambassadors include:

• Kenny Brown, from Moneymore in Co Derry (2024)

• Bernard and Ciara Neeson, from Cookstown in Co Tyrone (2024)

• Roy Mayers, from Tempo in Co Fermanagh (2024)

See below the videos made on farmers in Northern Ireland:

Farming For Nature Lithuania

The “Good Farmer” Championship is an initiative that aims to bring together farmers and demonstrate those who farm in harmony with nature. The championship in Lithuania started in 2021 and was held for the fourth time in 2024. They are planning another championship in 2025.  The commission visits the nominated farms, evaluates their applied practices, benefits to nature and the local community. Each year five ambassadors are nominated. The latest Ambassadors include:

• Edmundas H. Jastramskas Family Organic Farm. The family has been pressing oil in their mill for more than 20 years, and also grinds flour, oatmeal, freeze-dried products – everything from seed to product.
• Brothers Ignas and Vilius Jackevičius, owners of the “Brothers Honey” Farm, which develops innovative, high-value honey products.
• Darius Kavsinas, owner of “Wildfarm Labanoras”, a farm that restores important natural habitats. It is grazed by a wide variety of livestock and birds: beef cattle, horses, sheep, geese and chickens. All this to protect nature and restore habitats.
• Mantas Baršys, owner of Lauzenai Cheese Factory and Farm, which not only produces award-winning goat-milk cheeses but also takes care of the land.
• Jonas Dragunas, owner of a biodynamic organic farm producing grains and beef cattle.

Their farmers can be viewed here www.kitoksukis.lt

Farming For Nature Austria

Farming for Nature Austria selects farmers as Ambassadors for Biodiversity. This initiative started in 2021 and they have held their Farming For Nature Ambassador Awards every year since – there are now 25 Ambassadors throughout Austria. The Ambassadors are actively committed to nature on their own farms and beyond. With innovative approaches, they are paving the way for sustainable agriculture.  Find out more by visiting www.farmingfornature.at  Their latest Ambassadors from 2024 include:

• Otto Knaus, Styria (2024)

• Jacob Myer, Michlbach, Lower Austria (2024)

• Angelina Pucher, Heiligenblut, Carinthia (2024)

• Armin Rauch, Dunserberg, Voralberg (2024)

• Alexander Steindl, Haidershofen, Lower Austria (2024)