Over €200,000 was invested in biodiversity projects on 80 farms across 21 counties in 2025 through the ReFarm organisation.

ReFarm combines private sector investment with public funding to support farmers in implementing nature-friendly practices on their land in a way that is both scalable and sustainable.

The programme was co-founded by investment professional Anke Heydenreich and conservationist Brendan Dunford of the Burrenbeo Trust.

The investments in nature are combined with independent, evidence-based research from Trinity College Dublin, co-led by professors Jane Stout and Martha O’Hagan.

The not-for-profit organisation has drawn from Irish models such as the Burren Programme, the Hare’s Corner Project and the Farming for Nature network.

Biodiversity

ReFarm's first full year impact report being launched today (Monday, March 2), shows the organisation has secured funding commitments of €3 million out to 2030, to cover direct investments, research, and delivery costs.

There was a direct funding investment of €205,000 in 2025, supporting 80 farmers to deliver 139 habitat projects, including:

The creation of 1.8ha of new wildlife pond habitats;
The planting of 1.9km of new hedgerows;
The establishment of 15,500m² of mini-woodland copses;
Support for 49ha of species-rich grassland through result-based payments;
Support for additional farmer-nominated, nature-friendly actions.

ReFarm is aiming to scale the model nationwide to support government and EU nature restoration targets and policies.

According to ReFarm, the research-backed, results-based model generates measurable biodiversity and climate benefits while boosting farm incomes.

Last year, almost €84,000 was paid directly to farmers to fund various actions.

ReFarm

ReFarm co-founder Brendan Dunford noted that "Ireland’s farmers manage over 70% of our land".

"They know their farms better than anyone. If we are serious about restoring nature and meeting our climate obligations, we must invest in farmers as partners in delivery.

“Last year’s pilot showed that farmers can deliver results and value.

"Interest in participation significantly exceeded available funding, demonstrating that there is a strong appetite among the farming community to seek out these nature-based solutions," he added.

Investment

Co-founder Anke Heydenreich said this year they will double farmer-led investment in nature to €400,000, taking total investment through the ReFarm pilot to €3 million.

"Building on Ireland’s EU Presidency, we will convene farmers, researchers, policymakers, businesses, and technology partners to lay the foundations for scaling ReFarm nationwide and beyond.

“We cannot wait for perfect systems to emerge. ReFarm is one practical way to act, and many small, well-designed actions, compounding over time, can deliver meaningful change," she said.