FarmBioNet’s Mid-Year Highlights: Insights from our First Newsletter
As FarmBioNet reaches its half-year milestone, it is the perfect time to reflect on the progress we have made since the project officially launched in January. Over the past six months, we have been busy building strong connections, growing our National Networks, and actively participating in events that help spread awareness about biodiversity-friendly farming across Europe. This update highlights some of the key achievements so far, showcasing how our collective efforts are advancing the mission to promote friendly farming practices and foster knowledge exchange among farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders across Europe.
FarmBioNet’s Consortium Meeting in Ireland
This February, FarmBioNet officially took off in Ireland, where our project coordinator, Dr Saorla Kavanagh from Teagasc welcomed 19 partners from across Europe to the Kick-Off Meeting. Held in a collaborative and open spirit, the meeting set the stage for what FarmBioNet aims to achieve over the next three years.
Together, we launched a shared mission: to boost Biodiversity-friendly farming across Europe by fostering meaningful knowledge exchange among farmers, foresters, researchers, advisors and other key stakeholders. This strong start laid the foundation for the work ahead, helping to build a vibrant network of people who place nature at the heart of agriculture.
FaB NNs developed in the Twelve Partner Countries
Farming and Biodiversity National Networks (FaB NNs) have been established in twelve partner countries: Ireland, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland. The networks bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural organisations, researchers, NGOs, business representatives, policymakers, and government officials.
Their goal is to provide valuable training through workshops and farm visits, supporting practitioners in adopting, expanding, and sharing the best biodiversity-friendly farming (BFF) practices.
These national networks are open to all stakeholders who want to contribute to the initiative in their respective countries.
Sharing knowledge has begun
Across all our National Network countries, the first workshops and farm visits have already taken place, marking an important step forward for FarmBioNet. National Network leaders have launched a series of these hands-on events alongside regular newsletter distributions, officially kicking off real-time knowledge exchange across Europe.
These activities are designed to actively engage farmers and practitioners by showcasing successful biodiversity-friendly farming practices and encouraging their adoption. Through farm visits and interactive workshops, participants can discuss different methods, ask questions, and share their own experiences. This collaborative learning approach helps build a strong community united by a common goal, promoting agriculture that supports both productivity and biodiversity.
By connecting people directly and fostering ongoing dialogue, FarmBioNet is helping to drive a meaningful change, strengthening networks and spreading best practices across borders.
FarmBioNet Taking the Stage
FarmBioNet is already active across Europe, sharing ideas and raising awareness about biodiversity-friendly farming. Here are some recent events where the project made an impact:
Dr Meritxell Grau Butinyac, Project Manager at Teagasc, presented FarmBioNet in the Signpost Series, a weekly Irish webinar and podcast series focused on sustainable agriculture and climate action. The session was hosted by Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation.
Foodscale Hub presented the project at the 92nd International Agricultural Fair in Serbia! Emanuele Giaufret, EU Ambassador to Serbia, visited the booth and learned more about our work from Mladen Radišić, CEO of Foodscale Hub. While Serbia isn’t yet part of our National Networks, the fair was a great chance to connect with local farmers and spark new conversations on biodiversity.
Developing New Skills: Internal Trainings
Alongside our core activities, FarmBioNet partners are enhancing their expertise through targeted trainings provided by our partner Foodscale Hub. These sessions focus on capacity building and intellectual property, helping partners improve key areas such as communication, innovation management, and project sustainability. By strengthening these skills, the team is better equipped to collaborate effectively, share valuable knowledge, and ensure long-lasting positive impacts of FarmBioNet.
FarmBioNet Newsroom: Stories and Updates on Biodiversity
In the first months of FarmBioNet, we launched a new blog series to help readers better understand what biodiversity is and why it matters. Written in clear and accessible language, these posts break down key concepts and show how farmland biodiversity contributes to healthier ecosystems, more resilient agriculture, and climate action. Through practical insights, we aim to inspire farmers, practitioners, and the wider community to recognise and value the benefits of preserving biodiversity on farms.
Here are some notable articles you can check:
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