Two Offaly farmers lead the way in nature-friendly farming

ACROSS the country, farmers are showing that caring for nature and producing food go hand in hand. The nominees for the 2025 Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards prove that the future of Ireland’s farms can be both productive, profitable and nature-rich.

Two Offaly farmers are amongst his year’s 18 nominees, following in the footsteps of last year's Ambassador award winner Ken Gill from Clonbullogue.

Third-generation farmer PJ Dooley runs a 15-hectare regenerative, suckler beef farm and eco-community in Ferbane. The project integrates livestock, food forests, and permaculture gardens. With 70% native oak woodlands, forest gardens, and no-dig organic practices, his farm combines education, community engagement, and is an innovative model for rural revitalisation.

Margaret Edgill of Mount Briscoe farm near Daingean, has revitalized the farm through diversification - a long time organic suckler farm, she has introduced foraged products, glamping, and on-farm dining experiences since taking over in 2014. Ancient trees, diverse hedgerows, and thriving wildlife make her farm a living example of how nature, people, and farming can flourish together.

While running different enterprises on different land types, what unites both PJ, Margaret and all of the nominees is a commitment to healthier soils, cleaner water, richer biodiversity, and stronger rural communities. Their work demonstrates that farming for and with nature is happening all over the country and, most importantly, it works.

By shining a spotlight on these farmers, the Farming for Nature initiative celebrates the leadership already happening in fields, hedgerows, and on mountainsides across Ireland. These ambassadors are living proof that farming with nature is a smart and satisfying way to farm.

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“Farmers have always been the caretakers of our land and our communities,” said Sarah Coonan, representative from Farming for Nature. “But too often, farming has been framed as a choice between productivity and protecting nature. These nominees are living examples of how that’s a false choice. By working with nature, these farmers are cutting costs and building resilience but they’re also renewing pride in passing on thriving land to the next generation. This is the future of farming in Ireland; good for farmers, nature-rich, and rewarding for everyone.”

The public has the opportunity to learn more about PJ, Margaret and all of the other nominees on the Farming for Nature website.

Only twelve of the nominees will become ambassadors and this announcement will take place on Saturday, 25th October as part of the Burren Winterage Weekend.

Farming for Nature is grateful for the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Irish Natural Stone and the Burren Eco Tourism Network in hosting this event.

Tickets to the Awards ceremony and other Farming for Nature events can be booked through the Burren Winterage Weekend website

Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project established under the Burrenbeo Trust, a registered charity. Its mission is to support, encourage and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside. www.farmingfornature.ie 

The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are an annual celebration of farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly practices. Nominated by their peers and communities, these farmers demonstrate that protecting nature and running a viable farm business can go hand in hand.

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