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News

Strong interest in nature-friendly farming at Balmoral Show

Northern Ireland
DAERA
Events

Visitors, farmers and policymakers engaged with NFFN NI throughout Northern Ireland’s biggest agricultural event.

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) Northern Ireland enjoyed a successful Balmoral Show as visitors flocked to the stand to learn more about regenerative approaches to agriculture.

Our NFFN NI team occupied a prime position in the horticulture area for the four days of the biggest event in Northern Ireland’s farming calendar, engaging with farmers, policymakers, environmental organisations and members of the public.

Our NFFN NI team occupied a prime position in the Horticulture Area for the four days of the biggest event in Northern Ireland’s farming calendar, alongside partners, namely the National Trust, Ulster Wildlife, RSPB, Woodland Trust, and the Queen's University Belfast Climate Co-Centre, engaging with farmers, policymakers, environmental organisations, and members of the public.

NFFN events hosted throughout the show were well attended and attracted a number of high-profile speakers. NFFN CEO Martin Lines spoke on a panel discussion about soil health alongside Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) president John McClenaghan and Robert Craig.

Martin also took part in a discussion on water quality with representatives from the Ballinderry Rivers Trust and NFFN NI farmer Michael Meharg, highlighting the important role farmers can play in protecting waterways while maintaining productive businesses.

There was also considerable interest from politicians in discussing nature-friendly farming, with MPs and Stormont Assembly members from across the political spectrum visiting the stand to speak with the NFFN NI team, including DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.

The importance of nature-friendly farming in tackling the threats posed by climate change, as well as helping farmers reduce reliance on expensive fuel and fertiliser inputs, was also shared with a wider audience when NFFN NI steering group member Louise Skelly was interviewed live from the show for BBC Radio Ulster’s ‘Good Morning Ulster’ programme.

NFFN NI manager Cormac Dolan said: “This year’s Balmoral Show was a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with farmers and the wider public about the benefits of nature-friendly farming. We had really positive conversations throughout the four days, and it was especially encouraging to see a strong interest from policymakers.”

“The enthusiasm and support we received at the show demonstrates the momentum that is building behind nature-friendly farming in Northern Ireland, and we look forward to continuing those conversations in the months ahead. We would like to thank our partners in the regenerative agriculture zone for helping to make it a great one-stop shop for all things farming and nature.”


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