Cheryl Poole, Ph.D., is a dairy farmer based near Gorey in County Wexford, Ireland, where she lives with her husband Alan and their three children. The Poole family farm, spanning 103 acres, has been in the family since the early 1700s, making Cheryl and Alan the thirteenth generation to steward the land. Their enterprise centres on a 72-cow high-EBI dairy herd, with a focus on milk solids, herd health, and environmental sustainability. Cheryl’s scientific background, holding a BSc from NUI Galway and a doctorate in Chemistry, underpins her evidence-based approach to farming. Her doctoral research examined the mechanism of action of an anti-cancer drug, equipping her with skills in critical analysis and problem solving that she now applies to agriculture.
Although farming was not always her expected path, family circumstances brought Cheryl and Alan back to the land, where they resolved to demonstrate that an intensive, conventional dairy farm could achieve sustainability across economic, environmental, and social pillars. This conviction was also shaped by personal experience: their eldest son Jacob, who has a severe disability, finds joy and therapy in the River Bann, which runs through their land. Protecting this waterway became both a personal and professional mission.
The farm structure reflects a balance between productive dairy farming and ecological stewardship. More than 20% of the land is dedicated to biodiversity, including wildlife corridors, orchards, and hedgerows. Careful nutrient management ensures high nitrogen efficiency, while slurry storage and roofing minimise waste and water contamination. Rainwater harvesting is used for tasks such as cleaning the parlour, reducing reliance on mains water. The Pooles also engage in national programmes, such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, bat and moth surveys, and regular biodiversity monitoring. Recently, their stretch of the River Bann achieved “Blue Dot” status, recognising it as a high-quality waterbody.
Water-focused innovations form the cornerstone of the Pooles’ sustainability model. These include a rainfall garden, sediment tanks, and a constructed wetland to filter and slow water flow before it enters the river. They have also diverted road drainage away from the river, channelling it through filtration systems on their land. These measures improve water quality, protect aquatic ecosystems, and demonstrate collaboration between farmers, government bodies, and local schools. Their projects not only benefit the farm but also contribute to wider community resilience, with local students using the wetland as a learning site for climate action.
The results of these innovations are far-reaching. Environmentally, nutrient run-off has been reduced, biodiversity has flourished, and the river has been safeguarded. Economically, fertiliser and energy costs have declined, while milk solids and herd performance have been maintained. Socially, Cheryl and Alan’s work fosters community engagement, through school partnerships, public talks, and farm walks. Their farm has attracted national and international recognition, from European Commission officials to researchers from Zambia and Armenia.
Cheryl Poole’s project demonstrates that sustainability in farming can be achieved without sacrificing productivity. By combining her scientific background, personal values, and dedication to her community, she has transformed her family farm into a model of water stewardship and environmental leadership. Her story illustrates how modern innovation, rooted in tradition and care for the land, can secure the future of both farming families and rural communities.

Alessandra Pighin was born and raised in a rural environment, and her life has always been closely connected to the land and agricultural traditions. With a strong sense of responsibility towards her family’s legacy, she chose to dedicate herself to farming while also developing her own professional skills and knowledge. Over the years, she has cultivated an expertise that combines hands-on experience with a vision for innovation, sustainability, and resilience. This approach has allowed her to not only preserve the values she inherited but also adapt them to meet modern challenges, ensuring the farm remains relevant and competitive in today’s agricultural landscape. Alessandra’s background is therefore defined by a balance of continuity and transformation, where her personal commitment is inseparable from her professional achievements.
The farm itself is organised around a mixed model that integrates arable production with livestock activities. This structure allows for a more efficient and sustainable use of resources, as different components of the farm complement and support one another. The cultivation of crops provides feed and other raw materials, while the livestock contribute to soil fertility and the overall productivity of the enterprise. By maintaining this interdependence, Alessandra ensures that the farm remains resilient and capable of responding to external pressures such as market fluctuations, climatic variability, and rising production costs. The activities are carefully managed to optimise output without compromising the health of the environment, reflecting a philosophy that prioritises stewardship of natural resources. The farm is also deeply rooted in its community, contributing to local development and sustaining rural traditions while embracing forward-looking methods.
The innovation introduced by Alessandra represents a significant step forward in terms of both efficiency and sustainability. By adopting new practices and technologies, she has been able to improve the management of resources, reduce waste, and enhance the well-being of animals on the farm. This innovation has also created measurable economic benefits, as production processes have become more streamlined and resilient to challenges. In particular, it has allowed the farm to strengthen its competitiveness by reducing dependency on external inputs and increasing self-sufficiency. At the same time, the initiative has generated positive environmental outcomes by lowering the ecological footprint of the enterprise.
The results of Alessandra’s work extend beyond the boundaries of her own farm. Her approach serves as an example of how traditional family farming can be successfully adapted to meet contemporary demands without losing its identity. By showing that innovation and tradition can coexist, she has provided a model that can inspire other farmers facing similar challenges. The project highlights the importance of investing in both technical solutions and human dedication, demonstrating that resilience in agriculture is achieved not only through financial and technological means but also through vision and perseverance.
Ultimately, Alessandra Pighin’s project illustrates how a farmer’s personal story, background, and values can be translated into a tangible model of innovation. By harmonising modern practices with respect for the land, she has secured the continuity of her family’s legacy whilst also pointing the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for rural communities.

Lidia Moroń Morawska’s journey into agriculture and beekeeping reflects both a strong family tradition and a deeply personal transformation. Raised within a family that valued farming, she was particularly influenced by her mother, who managed an organic farm, and later by her husband, who ran a conventional apiary of 150 hives. Since 2011, Lidia has been co-managing the apiary with her husband, gaining both technical expertise and a profound understanding of the natural world. However, it was a significant period of health challenges that prompted her to reconsider her professional path. This experience inspired her to pursue a life more closely connected to nature, regeneration, and meaningful work. Motivated by these values, she established her own organic apiary, rooted in ecological principles and a personal commitment to sustainability.
The structure of Lidia’s farm is built upon organic beekeeping practices that prioritise environmental harmony and biodiversity. Unlike conventional methods, her apiary is guided by ecological integrity, ensuring that every stage of production respects natural cycles. The farm focuses on maintaining bee health through natural management techniques, avoiding synthetic treatments, and creating conditions that support strong colonies. Central to her approach is the promotion of diverse forage landscapes, achieved by integrating the apiary into organically managed farmland and surrounding ecosystems. This ensures that bees not only thrive but also contribute to local biodiversity. By cultivating honey and other bee products within these ecological frameworks, she has developed a farming model that is both sustainable and commercially viable.
Lidia’s innovation lies in her transition from conventional beekeeping methods to a fully organic and ecologically aligned system. This shift required extensive learning, adaptation, and investment in environmentally friendly techniques. She has embraced methods that strengthen the natural resilience of bee colonies, thereby reducing dependency on artificial inputs. In addition, her practices enhance pollination services, which in turn benefit the wider agricultural landscape. This holistic approach demonstrates how beekeeping can be both economically productive and ecologically restorative.
The outcomes of her innovation have been significant. By creating an organic apiary that functions as a model of ecological farming, Lidia has demonstrated the value of aligning agricultural production with natural systems. Her bees produce high-quality organic honey and other hive products, which reflect not only a commercial success but also a testament to the health of the environment in which they are produced. Furthermore, her work has had a broader impact on awareness within her community, showcasing the benefits of organic beekeeping and inspiring others to consider sustainable practices. The farm has contributed to biodiversity by encouraging the growth of wild plants and improving pollination for surrounding crops, thereby reinforcing the interdependence between farming and ecological health.
Through her resilience, innovation, and dedication, Lidia Moroń Morawska has created a farm that balances productivity with environmental stewardship. Her story illustrates how personal challenges can be transformed into opportunities for renewal, and how agriculture, when guided by ecological values, can become a source of both livelihood and regeneration.

Monika Zsuzsanna Horváth, born in Oradea in 1971, has led a life defined by resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community. After moving to Hungary through marriage, she raised three sons, supported by her second husband, a livestock engineer. With a background in chemical technology and professional experience in the catering industry, Monika decided to redirect her life towards farming and rural development. Together with her husband, she settled in the small village of Szentistvánbaksa, where they began rearing goats. Initially, their focus lay on cheese production, yet Monika soon drew inspiration from her grandmother’s Transylvanian soap-making tradition. Using her own knowledge of chemistry, she transformed this heritage into a modern enterprise. Thus, in 2017, “Gidatitok” was born – a line of high-quality artisan goat milk soaps. What started under a public employment programme grew into a private enterprise, supported by a Budapest family business, and it quickly became a symbol of renewal for the village and its people.
Monika’s farm and manufactory have adopted an innovative approach that links animal husbandry, resource management, and sustainable product development. A key aspect of her model is the replacement of water with goat milk as the primary raw material in soap production. This method not only preserves water but also elevates the value of the final product. By contrast, cheese-making demands extensive water use at multiple stages, making soap a more resource-efficient alternative. Her commitment to sustainability extends further: goats are fed using local green waste from households and municipal services, reducing landfill pressure and improving soil quality through natural fertilisation. The cycle remains firmly rooted in the local ecosystem, as hay harvested from riverside meadows along the Hernád River provides fodder while helping maintain flood defences.
In production, water is used only sparingly for equipment cleaning, with careful measures in place to prevent unnecessary waste. The environmentally conscious ethos also shapes the broader farm activities, which integrate grazing, waste reduction, and natural soil enrichment. These decisions demonstrate Monika’s dedication to protecting local water resources, fostering biodiversity, and minimising ecological impact.
The results of this innovation are manifold and extend beyond environmental benefits. Economically, the enterprise contributes to the local tax base, supports municipal functions, and has invigorated tourism by linking soap-making with the Hernád River’s recreational opportunities. Property values in the village have risen, and new investments have been encouraged. Socially, the initiative is transformative: in a village of just 264 residents, Gidatitok now employs six individuals, offering meaningful work, stability, and renewed confidence to those involved. Many employees have overcome personal difficulties, rebuilt family ties, and regain a sense of purpose through their engagement with the manufactory. The project, once a modest local experiment, has grown into a recognised county treasure, listed in the County Value Registry and celebrated in national media.
Gidatitok exemplifies how a rural community can thrive when local traditions are combined with innovative, sustainable practices. It represents an approach that is both replicable and transferable, inspiring other villages to harness their unique resources. For Monika, the venture embodies more than business success: it is a testament to how collective will, respect for tradition, and a vision for sustainability can bring life back to even the smallest communities.