FarmBioNet Project Launches: European Project Aims to Boost Biodiversity in Farmland and Forestry
The Horizon Europe project FarmBioNet officially began this January, aiming to build a network of farmers, foresters, researchers, advisors, NGOs and other key players in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) to bridge the knowledge gap and enhance biodiversity-friendly farming practices across Europe, including Natura 2000 sites. Coordinated by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, this 3-year project involves 19 partners from 13 countries. Coordinated by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, this 3-year project involves 19 partners from 13 countries.
Why FarmBioNet Matters?
The simplification of the structure of the environment has replaced nature’s diversity with a small number of cultivated plants and domesticated animals. We need to get biodiversity back into these landscapes. Because we need this diversity, this variety of life to support sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health. This is why the Project Coordinator and Teagasc Research Officer, Dr Saorla Kavanagh, emphasised the broader vision of the project:
“This project will use a multi-actor approach to develop solutions to protect biodiversity. By working together, we can create practical and measurable actions that benefit both biodiversity and farmers. Protecting biodiversity will have positive impacts on environmental health, as well as the wellbeing of future generations.”
Collaborative Approach to Farming and Biodiversity
The project will establish Farming and Biodiversity National Networks (FaB NNs) to serve as hubs for knowledge sharing and dissemination. By drawing on real-world examples from biodiversity-friendly case-study areas, FarmBioNet will facilitate the exchange of traditional and evidence-based strategies. This collaborative approach ensures the development of practical, scalable, and effective solutions. Andrew Bergin, Farming for Nature Ambassador and Executive Committee member, highlighted the importance of working together:
“Every farm has scope to significantly improve biodiversity before it starts to cost anything. Farmers and scientists working together can identify where this slack lies and target measures to take advantage of it. It’s such an easy win.”
Supporting Farmers with Tools and Insights
FarmBioNet will:
- Assist farmers in enhancing biodiversity on their farms with simple, low-cost actions.
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses to demonstrate how biodiversity supports sustainable food production.
- Develop decision-making tools to help farmers, foresters, and policymakers integrate biodiversity into operations.
FarmBioNet is committed to fostering biodiversity-friendly farming practices in agriculture and forestry. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program. All the information is available on the project’s website, as well as Facebook, Linkedin, X, Instagram and YouTube, Bluesky.
