38 Brendan Dunford Farming for Nature Mission Farming for Nature (FFN) aims to recognize, support, and reward farmers who work to improve their farms’ environmental health. FFN encompasses a range of initiatives such as: • sharing the stories of FFN ‘role models’ with other farmers; • advocating for ‘results-based’ payment schemes for farmers who deliver ecosystem services; • supporting local, farmer-centered solutions to environmental challenges; • connecting with networks of researchers across Europe. Impact & 4 returns Inspiration FFN’s business model has seen farmers paid in accordance with the amount of ecosystem services they deliver, while supporting them with technical resources,advice and research. Based on the success of this approach, FFN has made policy submissions at an Irish and EU level, advocating targeted agri-environment schemes that use result-based payments. FFN has also created a network of ambassadors across Ireland. These ambassadors host regular farm walks, webinars, and other events. Through the ambassador initiative, the new role of farmers as ecosystem service providers has been celebrated, acting as an inspiration for other farmers to follow suit. Financial Capital Natural Capital According to a recent evaluation (by AECON consultants, 2020), the Burren Program generated an estimated 33 million euros in landscape and biodiversity improvements since 2010. Since 2010, the Burren Program generated 23 million euros in income locally and thus 20 new job opportunities per year. Between 2016 and 2020, The Irish Dept of Agriculture allocated 72 million euros to ‘locally-led schemes’ (including the Burren Program). Social Capital Recent research (AECOM consultants, 2020) into the impact of the Burren Programme (BP) has reinforced the high social impact a local, farmcentered approach has for nature. This approach also results in new income and employment opportunities, the building of new relationships and networks, and the increase of the sense of respect felt by farmers.
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