Farming for Nature Festival, Ballykilcavan Farm, June 22-23

Farmers, researchers, chefs, and food producers are heading to Stradbally, Co. Laois, on June 22 and 23 for the inaugural Farming for Nature Festival.

Hosted at Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery on June 22 and 23, the lively two-day festival will celebrate nature-friendly farming by bringing together more than 65 sustainable farming experts and practitioners to share practical ideas, host workshops, and showcase farming methods that restore nature, reduce chemical fertiliser use, and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Farming for Nature Festival, Ballykilcavan Farm, June 22-23

The Farming for Nature Festival is a farmer-led event created by Farming for Nature, an international network of farmers who promote regenerative farming and food production practices that protect soil, water, wildlife, and the climate.

Delivered in partnership with BASE Ireland and the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), the festival kicks off on Monday, June 22, with a solstice-inspired evening featuring a shared meal made from sustainably produced food, as well as music, wine and beer tasting.

The main programme on Tuesday, June 23, begins at 9:30am and runs throughout the day, offering a wide range of farmer-led sessions designed to help peers to farm more sustainably 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 focused on developing practical skills which can they can then apply on their own land. The day will conclude with fireside chats, followed by a night of food, music and entertainment.

Leading figures in food, farming, and advocacy will be on hand to provide insights at the event, including celebrity chef and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School Darina Allen, Patrick Holden of The Soil Association UK, and farmer and nutritionist Dr Steve Collins.

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.ie).

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.

Karl Colton, farmer and BASE member, says:

“I’m so excited to kick off the first ever Farming for Nature Festival in Stradbally on June 22. The festival is a chance for all of us who want a more secure food system to come together to share knowledge and learn new skills which will help keep farms healthy and productive for future generations.

“As festival organisers, our mission is to champion practices that minimise fertiliser use and restore nature. We also want to celebrate those who have transitioned to more nature-friendly farming and encourage others to follow suit. The Farming for Nature Festival gives farmers, food producers, and food lovers space to come together to show solidarity and share knowledge in a positive and inclusive atmosphere.”

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