More about the event

Farmers

What evidence is there for insecticides such as neonicotinoids killing bees? How can farms prevent floods downstream? What difference does the CAP policy on biodiversity really make to environment? What is the case for organic farming and is it sustainable at scale?

Cutting edge research and policy can sometimes seem distant and removed from the realities of farming, but over time their impact is very real. Between the 14th and 25th November, in the I’m a Scientist Farming Zone (/farming-zone/) you can ask questions to over 15 experts in different fields and share your knowledge and experience with them and other participants.

There will be four live online chats discussing different aspects of biodiversity, with scientists and policy makers on hand to discuss issues of interest and importance to you:

  • Hedgerows – Tuesday November 15th, 8 – 9pm
  • Common Agriculture Policy – Thursday November 17th, 8 – 9pm
  • Flood Management – Monday November 21th, 8 – 9pm
  • Organic Farming – Wednesday November 23th, 8 – 9pm

The online live chats will give you a chance to raise questions, hear what other farmers want to know about, and share your views and experiences with experts and policy-makers.

Everything works through a standard web-browser, so no special software is required. All you need is a free hour, internet access and an interest in contributing to the conversation.

The Farming Zone is part of the award winning science engagement project, I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here, and is being run with funding from Science Foundation Ireland. The Farming Zone takes place at /farming-zone/ from 14th – 25th November 2016 and is open to everyone.

Expert and policy-makers

The I’m a Scientist Farming Zone provides researchers and experts with an opportunity to talk with members of the farming and rural community – to answer their questions, pose their own and hear a range of views and experiences from those who are impacted by research and policy.

How can you get involved? We are looking for experts in the field of the above live chat themes, to join live online chats in November and share experience and knowledge with members of the wider community.

The team behind the award winning I’m a Scientist project have been engaging young people and the public with science, engineering, and local democracy for more than 10 years. Now it’s time to extend the discussion to the farming community. This is a great opportunity for you to take part in a well-designed scheme that will give you a chance to share your latest research findings with those who will use it, and in turn hear about their experiences to further inform your future work

Short version:

Biodiversity is increasingly prominent in conversations about farming. The I’m a Scientist Farming Zone this November focuses on biodiversity research and policy. A team of scientists and policy experts will be answering questions and taking part in online live chats with the Irish farming community to hear their ideas and concerns. This aims to spark a dialogue that will hopefully contribute to a longer-term conversation between experts and farmers.

Join the discussion.

The Farming Zone is funded by Science Foundation Ireland.