Why and how to sign up?

Benefits of becoming a Business Supporter of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan:

• A demonstration of your sustainability/biodiversity credentials to consumers, customers and key stakeholders.
• A framework to support ESG/Corporate Social Responsibility objectives in the transition to a nature-positive business model.
• Flexible options for fulfilling Environmental Management Systems (e.g. ISO 14001:2015).
• Helping ensure the reliability of supply chains dependent on animal pollinated crops.
• Co-ordination with Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) has been included within the Origin Green Charter as a biodiversity target for member companies (optional).

As a Business Supporter you agree to carry out at least ONE pollinator-friendly action within the first year, and TWO additional actions within the following five years. The AIPP is FREE to join and use all resources. 

Annual Review (mandatory): we will require you to submit a simple, 250-word report PLUS mapped actions by 30 September annually.

1. Sign-up & send

Sign and send this form: Framework for Businesses (word version) | Framework for Business (pdf version) to Sarah Kelly [email protected]. Please also include your logo AND ‘Actions for Pollinators’ registration confirmation (see below).

Create an account on Actions for Pollinators – GIS biodiversity-accountability portal and begin mapping your site/office and any pollinator-friendly actions. This provides the National Biodiversity Data Centre with data to shape evidence-based guidelines.

On receipt of your form, logo and GIS registration, your business will be listed on www.pollinators.ie, and you will receive the AIPP Business Supporter logo and a certificate of participation for display on site/ online/ on socials.

2. Review FAQs, download guidelines and begin taking evidence-based actions

Businesses: actions to help pollinators & Businesses: Technical Appendix N.B. These guidelines are currently being updated to reflect UN SDGs and incorporate relevant aspects of CSRD.

FAQS for Business » All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (pollinators.ie) – review a snapshot of the simplicity of the Plan.

Thanks to Business in the Community Ireland and Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme for collaborating on the Business Guidelines.

Wildflower Seed Mixes

To sow wildflower seed mixes is NOT a biodiversity action, it’s a horticultural action. Make the distinction. READ MORE HERE

Many wildflower seed mixes are non-native seed and may contain invasive species such as Black Grass – potentially devastating for our agricultural land. Native wildflower seed mixes may contain a high percentage of annuals and will therefore need re-sown next year. The All-Ireland Pollinator recommends allowing wildflowers to grow naturally through a reduce-mowing regime.

To create small natural wildflower areas/meadows choose a specific mowing regime. 

REMEMBER to cut and lift the cuttings thereby reducing soil fertility and allowing our native wildflowers to grow naturally. To create a meadow on your business site review the Meadow guidelines.

Corporate Gifts: Wildflower seed mixes (bulk/ seed packets/ bee bombs i.e. bright/multi-coloured) are NOT considered helpful to the island’s landscape. Please consider an alternative (e.g. herbs, bulbs or perennials) if you are gifting/sponsoring to staff/suppliers or guests/customers.

Honeybee hives/apiary – this is NOT a biodiversity action

To have honeybee hives is NOT a biodiversity action. There is one Honeybee species, a managed pollinator, and NOT under threat on this island. Increased numbers of honeybees may create competition for food in certain areas for wild bees. READ MORE HERE. Wonderful as a hobby in small numbers, if you are thinking of hives please seek expert advice from your local beekeeping association.