We would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the Protecting Farmland Pollinators EIP project to date (July 2019 – August 2022) and to thank all those who have participated in and contributed to the project. You can download the report at: Protecting Farmland Pollinators Midterm Report.
Farmers have used the whole-farm pollinator scorecard to score their own farms for two consecutive years. The scoring system continues to show the expected range for the pilot group of 40 farms that were chosen to reflect differing farm types and intensities. The result-based payment for each of the 40 farms was calculated and farmers have received two results-based payments. There are 19 actions on the scorecard. Find out more about the pollinator scorecard and how it works on page 7 of the midterm report.
Farmers are taking action to help pollinators on their farms. Overall, the Pollinator Points have increased across the 40 farms and within each farm type (beef, dairy, mixed and tillage). Twenty-five farms increased their pollinator scores between year one of the results-based payment and year two. Four farms more than tripled their score.
A data set consisting of 8,669 records of pollinators was collected from the transect walks, pan traps and malaise traps. A total of 8,003 of these specimens were identified to genus level and 7,191 specimens were identified to species level. Thirty-seven species of bee and 57 species of hoverfly were recorded.
Farmers have used the whole-farm pollinator scorecard to score their own farms for two consecutive years. Farmer engagement with the project has been very positive. Farmers have provided positive feedback on the locally led approach to the project, the results-based payment mechanism, and the simplicity of the scorecard. The farmers have been a great team to work with and an invaluable resource in terms of providing vital information on what biodiversity friendly management practices are possible on the farm.
Protecting Farmland Pollinators is an EIP (European Innovation Partnership) project being administered by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The Project is funded by the EU Recovery Instrument Funding under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2022.
Is tionscadal EIP (Comhpháirtíocht Nuálaíochta Eorpach) é an Protecting Farmland Pollinators atá á riaradh ag National Biodiversity Data Centre. Tá an Tionscadal maoinithe ag Maoiniú Ionstraim Téarnaimh an AE faoin gClár um Fhorbairt Tuaithe 2014-2022.
