The BioFarm 2025 Conference, Ireland’s leading event dedicated to biological, regenerative, and organic farming, returns this autumn to Mount Wolseley Hotel in Co. Carlow on November 4-5.

Now in its eighth year, BioFarm has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Ireland’s organic and regenerative agriculture movement, connecting farmers, researchers, educators, and innovators who are re-shaping how food is grown from the soil up.

Organised by NOTS (National Organic Training Skillnet), BioFarm 2025 promises two full days of expert talks, lively panel discussions, and hands-on learning opportunities - all aimed at accelerating the transition toward more resilient, climate-smart and economically viable farming systems across Ireland and beyond.

A growing movement for regenerative agriculture

Running from 9:00a.m-5:00p.m. on both days, the conference will host more than 25 expert speakers from Ireland and abroad, covering everything from soil microbiology and animal health to food systems, market development and human nutrition.

Attendees will explore practical solutions that work on real farms, alongside cutting-edge research and policy insights that are shaping the future of sustainable food production.

This year’s conference opens with a special Monday evening 'Fireside Chat & Dinner' featuring the legendary Gary Zimmer, widely known as the 'Father of Biological Agriculture'.

This intimate event offers attendees the rare chance to engage directly with one of the global pioneers of the biological farming movement before the main conference begins.

Tickets and packages

BioFarm 2025 offers flexible ticket options to make participation accessible for all:

Conference Only (€130) - Two full days of sessions, including lunch and refreshments;
Conference + Evening Meal (€170) - Adds a four-course dinner on Tuesday, November 5;
Conference + 1-Night Accommodation (€280) - Includes B&B on Tuesday at Mount Wolseley plus the evening meal;
Zimmer Package (€400) - A premium two-night package with B&B (Monday & Tuesday), evening meals both nights, and access to the exclusive Monday night 'Fireside Chat'.

Organisers note that hotel packages must be booked directly through NOTS to secure accommodation, as availability at the venue is limited.

For group or special bookings, attendees can contact [email protected].

World-class line-up of speakers

BioFarm 2025 brings together an exceptional collection of voices from across the regenerative and organic spectrum - from pioneering farmers and soil scientists to veterinary experts, nutritionists, and policy leaders.

Among the headline speakers:

Gary Zimmer - The 'Father of Biological Agriculture', Gary has influenced farming systems globally through his work on soil health, nutrient balance, and biological inputs;
Dr. Jonathan Lundgren - Renowned agroecologist and regenerative farming researcher linking biodiversity to profitability and resilience;
Dr. David Purdy - Specialist in practical soil management, offering science-based strategies that work in day-to-day farming;
Nikki Yoxall - Agroecologist and holistic grazing educator, advocating for knowledge exchange between farmers and researchers;
Dr. Claire Whittle - Veterinary surgeon and regenerative agriculture advocate, bridging animal health with ecological systems;
Josiah Meldrum - Founder of Hodmedod’s, a leader in local food networks and pulse and grain innovation;
Flavian Obiero - Regenerative pig farmer championing rotational systems and on-farm learning;
Dr. David Unwin - GP and metabolic health expert linking nutrition, soil health, and sustainable food systems;
Erwin Westers - Organic, biodynamic, and regenerative tillage expert.

They will be joined by an inspiring and diverse cast of additional speakers, including:

Tara Bane, head of Bord Bia’s Organic Unit;
Kevin O Hanlon, organic and regenerative dairy farmer;
Remi Cluset, leader of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO's) Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) project;
Sebastian Fuchs, organic poultry breeder;
Piluca Garcia, project leader for the Regen Ireland European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Project;
Martin Bourke, Teagasc organic specialist and EIP project leader;
Kay O’Sullivan, beef farmer specialising in spring calving suckler systems.

The line-up continues with some of Ireland’s most respected organic and regenerative advocates:

Helen Begadon, director of Core College and an Irish medicinal herb expert;
Klaus Laitenberger, author and horticultural educator;
Clive Bright, founder of Rare Ruminare, specialising in long-grass grazing for beef systems;
Pippa Hackett, former government minister and organic farmer;
Rob Coleman, BASE Ireland project leader and conservation tillage farmer;
Joe Kelleher, Teagasc organic specialist and Mid-West Biodistrict leader;
Julian Pawlowski, EIP project manager for the OBLIG Leakage Project;
Jim Cronin, legendary organic grower and educator.

A hub for learning, networking, and inspiration

Each year, BioFarm draws hundreds of participants - farmers, agronomists, students, educators, and policymakers - who come not just to learn, but to build community.

The event’s two-track structure allows attendees to tailor their experience, choosing between technical deep-dives and practical farm-focused sessions.

Beyond the presentations, BioFarm offers valuable networking time over shared meals and coffee breaks, encouraging collaboration across Ireland’s expanding regenerative network.

Exhibitors and sponsors from the organic and biological sectors will also be on site, showcasing the latest products, tools, and training supports for farmers.

Why BioFarm matters

Ireland’s agricultural sector stands at a critical point - balancing food production, environmental goals, and economic sustainability.

BioFarm serves as both an educational forum and an incubator of change, supporting farmers in transitioning toward regenerative and low-input systems that protect biodiversity, reduce emissions, and restore soil vitality.

By gathering global leaders and local innovators under one roof, BioFarm 2025 continues its mission to grow knowledge, foster resilience, and build the future of Irish farming from the ground up.

BioFarm 2025 is organised by NOTS, co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded through the National Training Fund under the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

For updates, speaker details, or group booking inquiries, email [email protected] or call 071 9640688.