PaludiFair 2026 to Showcase the Future of Farming on Wet Peatlands

PaludiFair 2026 will shine a spotlight on one of Europe's most promising land-use innovations. Taking place in County Mayo, Ireland, the event will showcase peatland restoration and paludiculture projects from across Ireland and Europe, providing visitors with an opportunity to discover the crops, products and ideas emerging from the transition towards farming on wet and rewetted peatlands.

On 8 October 2026, the Killasser Community Centre in Listernan, County Mayo, will host PaludiFair 2026, a unique event celebrating peatland restoration, community engagement and the growing opportunities presented by paludiculture. Bringing together projects and practitioners from across Ireland and Europe, the event offers visitors the chance to explore how productive land use and peatland conservation can work hand in hand.

Paludiculture, the cultivation of crops on wet or rewetted peatlands, is gaining increasing attention as a practical pathway towards climate-friendly land management. Rather than draining peat soils for conventional agriculture, paludiculture maintains high water levels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the production of valuable crops and materials. Across Europe, growers and researchers are demonstrating the potential of wetland crops ranging from sphagnum moss and berries to reeds, biomass feedstocks and fibre products.

PaludiFair aims to make these emerging opportunities tangible and accessible. Visitors will be able to discover examples of paludiculture products, learn about ongoing peatland initiatives and engage directly with organisations working at the forefront of peatland innovation. The event provides an important platform for knowledge exchange, allowing landowners, farmers, researchers, policymakers and local communities to discuss the opportunities and practical challenges associated with farming wet peatlands.

The event is supported through the Interreg North-West Europe BUFFER+ project and organised by partners including The Rivers Trust and South Kerry Development Partnership CLG. By bringing together expertise from across the region, PaludiFair highlights the growing momentum behind peatland-friendly farming systems and the role they can play in supporting climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and sustainable rural economies.

As interest in paludiculture continues to expand across Europe and the UK, events such as PaludiFair provide an invaluable opportunity to see the sector's progress first-hand and connect with the people driving innovation in wetland agriculture. Whether arriving with a professional interest in peatlands or simple curiosity about what can be grown on rewetted land, attendees can expect an informative and engaging introduction to one of Europe's most promising nature-based farming approaches.