Shaping tomorrow’s agriculture: Lessons from award-winning farmers
Pictured at the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards: Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara, Michael Berkerey, Chair of FBD Trust; Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications; Don Somers - Overall Winner Teagasc FBD Environmentally Sustainable Farmer of the Year 2025 and Category Winner for Improving Water Quality; Gillian Somers; Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Signpost Programme, Teagasc.
The achievements of Irish farmers in advancing environmental sustainability were celebrated this week at the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards.
Judges highlighted the innovation, dedication, and leadership demonstrated across the farming community in rising to the challenge.
The awards recognise family farms across Ireland that are implementing practices which not only improve farm productivity but also protect biodiversity, enhance water quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
While farming often makes headlines for its environmental challenges, the judging panel explained that many farmers are already making remarkable progress.
“The commitment, innovation, and proactive efforts of Irish farmers to improve environmental sustainability don’t always get the recognition they deserve,” the judges noted. “These awards shine a much-needed spotlight on the positive work happening on farms right across the country.”
Over the summer, the judging team visited 13 family farms, representing a wide range of systems and enterprises. Each farm, they said, provided “unique and inspiring examples” of how sustainability is being woven into everyday decision-making. Choosing winners, they admitted, was no easy task given the exceptionally high standard.
A recurring theme across all farms was the way farmers are building strong foundations through technical and economic efficiency, and from this solid base, also delivering environmental improvements. Many are implementing measures such as improving soil fertility, enhancing livestock genetics, reducing finishing ages, and using protected urea, steps that both boost farm performance and cut emissions.
Equally striking was the passion shown for protecting Ireland’s landscapes and habitats. From hedgerow management and buffer zones to cover crops and integrated pest management, finalists displayed a deep appreciation for water quality and biodiversity, both above and below ground. The judges noted that environmental sustainability is not confined to any one model of farming, with both the conventional and organic finalists embracing practices that protect nature and deliver long-term resilience.
Innovation was another hallmark of this year’s finalists. Several farms showcased enterprise diversification, including agroforestry, social farming, and speciality crops. Many also highlighted the importance of personal sustainability, with systems designed to balance efficiency, environmental conscientiousness, and farmer well-being. The adoption of digital tools, such as farm management apps and GPS-guided machinery, was also helping farmers to “work smarter and more sustainably”.
The panel praised the courage of those who put their farms forward for judgment on a public platform, noting that every finalist was on a continuous learning journey. From engaging in research to mentoring young farmers and sharing experiences with discussion groups, the finalists were described as “generous in passing on their insights to others”.
In closing, the judges congratulated all participants for setting “a powerful example for the future of farming in Ireland.” They emphasised that the progress seen across the finalist farms demonstrates how economic success, environmental responsibility, and social sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
“These awards remind us that Irish farmers are not just food producers, they are innovators in sustainability, and role models for the generations to come,” the panel concluded.
