The festival will open on June 22nd.
Farmers from across Ireland will gather in Stradbally, Laois, this June for the first-ever Farming for Nature Festival – a farmer-led event focused on sharing practical knowledge and real-life experience of farming in ways that support livelihoods and nature.
Hosted at Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery on June 22 and 23, the festival will provide an opportunity for farmers, researchers and those with a casual interest to learn from one another, explore new approaches, and connect with a growing community aiming to build more sustainable food systems.
Some 50-plus experienced farmers will be on hand over the two days to provide insights on how to minimise input costs and build resilience on the farm.
Created by Farming For Nature, a national network of farmers who promote sustainable farming practices, the event is being delivered in partnership with BASE Ireland and the National Organic Training Skillnet.
The festival will open on June 22 with a solstice-inspired evening event, featuring a shared meal made from sustainably produced food, wine and beer tasting, music and keynote addresses from Patrick Holden of The Soil Association UK, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, and farmer and nutritionist Dr Steve Collins.
The main programme begins at 9:30am on June 23 and runs throughout the day, offering a wide range of sessions designed to help farmers regardless of their level of knowledge or expertise. From entry-level discussions to in-depth technical sessions, the programme focuses on practical topics such as soil health, biodiversity, water resilience and farm finance.
Alongside scheduled talks, attendees can take part in field demonstrations and drop-in workshops, providing hands-on learning and practical skills that can then be applied directly on their own land. The day will conclude with fireside chats, followed by food, music and entertainment into the evening.
The Farming for Nature Festival 2026 is 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.
The festival aims to give attendees space for honest conversation, peer-to-peer learning and practical advice. This will ultimately help farmers navigate challenges while building a more resilient ecology capable of sustaining both biodiversity and personal livelihoods.
One-day festival tickets are priced at €50, while the price of a Solstice Evening and Festival Pass is €75. Booking fees are included in the price. Further information, including ticket details and accommodation options, is available via the event’s website (www.farmingfornaturefestival.
Lydia Lishman, event organiser with Farming For Nature, said:
“This farmer-led gathering is about creating a space for farmers to learn, connect and share knowledge. We want to focus on real stories – the successes and the challenges – and show how good food begins with good farming. We also want to show how to become resilient to future challenges. By bringing together a wide network of partners and farmers, we hope to inspire change and grow a movement that works with nature, not against it.”
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