Arthur and Larissa Preston of Swainstown Farm, Kilmessan, county Meath have been shortlisted for the RDS Sustainability Awards in the Sustainable Farming Award category, which celebrates the efforts made by an individual or farm family who are sustainably developing their on-farm activities through entrepreneurship, new product development, marketing and improved efficiencies. The awards will take place on Wednesday 9th April as part of the ‘Finding Common Ground’ festival in the RDS in Dublin.
Swainstown Farm, a family-run farm producing chemical-free vegetables, grass-fed lamb and forest-raised pork, focuses on producing nutrient-dense food through sustainable practices and a focus on soil health. Today, Arthur and Larissa are transforming Swainstown Farm into a place of regenerative agriculture, native forestry and ecological conservation.
The ‘Finding Common Ground’ festival, which takes place over two days in the RDS in Ballsbridge, is being delivered as one of the RDS Foundation social impact programmes. It will bring together scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, practitioners, advocates and RDS Members to explore how Ireland can harness the benefits of our natural resources and the circular economy with a view to creating increased awareness, education and identification of solutions.
A series of talks and panel discussions will focus on the latest advancements and challenges in areas such as land use, forestry and the bioeconomy. The broad programme will also explore topics such as decarbonising construction, how to use the arts to engage with environmental societal change and primary science education.
The winners of the RDS Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Awards will be announced on Wednesday, April 9th.
