Protecting Farmland Pollinators Project Launch

March 3rd saw the launch of the Protecting Farmland Pollinators European Innovation Partnership Project. The European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs) funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. T

This project is about small actions that will allow biodiversity to co-exist within a productive farming system. It aims to help farmers to provide small habitats that will offer food, safety and shelter on their farms for pollinators (bees, hoverflies) and other biodiversity. It will develop a whole-farm pollinator scoring system and will identify what management practices on Irish farmland most benefit pollinators. The project will also reward participating farmers for pollinator-friendly management.

Pollinators are important to farmers who grow insect pollinated crops, fruits and vegetables; to our economy; to marketing our produce abroad; and to the health of our environment. But farmland has experienced wide-scale loss of wild pollinators over the last fifty years. In Ireland, one third of our 99 bee species are threatened with extinction.

The five-year project will be run with a group of 40 farmers who have been recruited across farm types and intensity levels in Kildare and neighbouring counties. It will be a results-based payment system – the higher the pollinator score of the farm, the more the farmer will be paid annually.

The Protecting Farmland Pollinators Project is built on evidence-based actions that will allow pollinators to survive and thrive. In taking action to protect pollinators, we start a chain reaction that has positive benefits for the general health of our environment, as well as our own wellbeing and that of future generations. “We are delighted to be part of this project” said, Andrew Bergin, one of the participant farmers, “by taking small actions we can make a positive difference. What’s good for the farmer is also good for the pollinator”.

The project will develop and test a whole-farm pollinator scoring system that can be easily calculated, easily understood and easily improved (and in line with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’s evidence-based actions for farmland). It will also include insect and plant surveys to confirm that farms with higher scores do have more pollinators (bees, hoverflies) and more biodiversity generally. It is hoped this project will demonstrate how this scoring system could be rolled out on a national scale in the future.

Project Manager, Dr. Saorla Kavanagh commented, “This project brings farmers and scientists together to come up with solutions to protect biodiversity. I believe that by working together we can generate practical and measurable actions that will help our pollinators, wider biodiversity and farmers”.

The project will enable all farmers to understand how pollinator-friendly their farm is, and what simple, low-cost actions they can take to work towards improving their whole farm for pollinators and other biodiversity in a measurable way that does not negatively impact on productivity. Within the project, farmers receive an annual payment based on their overall farm pollinator score which is calculated based on the amount and quality of habitat on the farm.

According to Dr. Úna FitzPatrick, senior ecologist in the National Biodiversity Data Centre and coordinator of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, one of the main reasons for bee declines is hunger – there are simply not enough wildflowers in our landscapes today to provide enough food for bees. “The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is not just about conserving bees but is also about protecting the livelihood of farmers and growers who rely on their ‘free’ pollinator service, which allows consumers to buy Irish fruit and vegetables at an affordable price. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside farmers within this project so that together we can develop realistic solutions” said Dr. FitzPatrick.

The project is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, and the operational group includes, Trinity College Dublin, Bord Bia, Glanbia, Teagasc, Macra na Feirme, HEINEKEN Ireland and four representative farmers across farm types.

Aspects of the Project are subject to change in response to participant feedback and project monitoring.

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept