Farming for Nature Festival puts farmers at heart of sustainable food future
Rhonda Colton pictured working with her bees on her farm in Athy prior to the Farming For Nature Festival.
Farmers, researchers, chefs, and food producers gathered in Stradbally, Co. Laois, on June 22 and 23 for the inaugural Farming for Nature Festival.
Hosted at Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery, the lively two-day festival celebrated nature-friendly farming by bringing together more than 65 sustainable farming experts and practitioners to share practical ideas, host workshops, and showcase farming methods that restore nature, reduce chemical fertiliser use, and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
The Farming for Nature Festival is a farmer-led event created by Farming for Nature, an international network of farmers who promote regenerative farming and food production practices that protect soil, water, wildlife, and the climate.
Delivered in partnership with BASE Ireland and the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), the festival kicked off with a solstice-inspired evening featuring a shared meal made from sustainably produced food, as well as music, wine and beer tasting.
The main programme on Tuesday, June 23, offered a wide range of farmer-led sessions designed to help peers to farm more sustainably regardless of their level of knowledge or expertise. From entry-level discussions to in-depth technical sessions, the programme focused on practical topics such as soil health, biodiversity, water resilience and farm finance.
Alongside scheduled talks, attendees took part in field demonstrations and drop-in workshops focused on developing practical skills, which they can now apply on their own land. The day concluded with fireside chats, followed by a night of food, music and entertainment.
Leading figures in food, farming, and advocacy were on hand to provide insights at the event, including celebrity chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School Darina Allen, Patrick Holden of The Soil Association UK, and farmer and nutritionist Dr Steve Collins.
The Farming for Nature Festival 2026 was supported by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, the Lifes2Good Foundation, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Karl Colton, farmer and BASE member, said: “I’m so excited to kick off the first ever Farming for Nature Festival in Stradbally... for all of us who want a more secure food system to come together to share knowledge and learn new skills, which will help keep farms healthy and productive for future generations.
“As festival organisers, our mission is to champion practices that minimise fertiliser use and restore nature. We also want to celebrate those who have transitioned to more nature-friendly farming and encourage others to follow suit. The Farming for Nature Festival gives farmers, food producers, and food lovers space to come together to show solidarity and share knowledge in a positive and inclusive atmosphere.”
