Ian Marshall: Sustainable farming, from soil to society
When Ian Marshall joined the GROW programme, he already wore many hats: not just a dairy farmer, but also a seasoned politician, former President of the Ulster Farmers' Union, and an influential voice in agri-policy circles.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
Ian Marshall: ‘I grew up on our family farm in Northern Ireland — it used to be a mixed farm with dairy, pigs, sheep, and arable. Like many others, we eventually had to specialise and scaled up into dairy farming, working with around 220 cows.
I also pursued studies in Food Security and later Sustainability and Energy Security at Queen’s University Belfast.
Over the years, my path expanded beyond farming: I served as President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, was a Senator in the Irish Parliament, and have been involved in various research and advisory roles.’
What motivated you to apply for the GROW programme?
‘My first connection with EIT Food was back in 2018, through my work at the university. I was fascinated by the way EIT Food brought together academia, business, and industry: areas that too often operate in silos.
Farming and food production were sometimes seen as "boring" compared to fintech or tech startups, but I could see that innovation was just as critical in agriculture.
The GROW programme offered the perfect opportunity to bridge practical farming with new, sustainable ideas.’
Can you tell us more about the project you developed during GROW?
‘We used GROW as an opportunity to develop and demonstrate a new concept for managing water on our farm. Traditionally, farmers here try to drain excess water off the land as fast as possible, especially given the heavy rainfall in Ireland.
But we tried the opposite approach: slowing the water down, guiding it into underground swales, and filtering it naturally using plants like comfrey.
It was new territory for us. With support from EIT Food and collaboration with others, including a retired engineer, we created a nature-based system that significantly reduces water pollution risk, without expensive machinery or energy consumption.
Today, it’s working very well, and it has inspired other farmers to start similar projects on their own land.’
Photo Credits : Ian Marshall, Comfrey/Closed Swale System, Pipework and stones : Excavated channel with 50mm stones and 100mm plastic drainage pipe on top (opposite to conventional drainage). Check dams have been dug into the channels to hold back water.
What was the broader impact of this project?
‘The impact has been bigger than we first imagined. Other farmers in our region have implemented similar systems after attending Farm Walks we hosted through GROW.
It’s relatively low-cost, quick to install, and doesn’t require planning permission.
Even government officials have shown interest in promoting nature-based solutions like ours.
Importantly, it’s a real-world solution: it reduces phosphate pollution, improves water quality, and strengthens farm resilience, without taking land out of production.’
Discover all about this nature-based solution and the Comfrey/Closed Swale System at Ian's farm in Northern Ireland in this very inspiring video.
“‘Peer-to-peer learning was one of the most valuable parts. Being able to share experiences, successes, and even mistakes created a strong community. It was also refreshing to bring together farmers, researchers, businesspeople and policymakers, and realise we all want similar outcomes. GROW helped connect the dots between practical farm management and broader sustainability goals.’”
How has your own farming business evolved over time?
‘After 35 years in dairy, I moved to contract rearing heifers about nine years ago.
Sustainability was a big motivator for that change. For me, sustainable farming isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about maintaining the land for the next generation. Healthy soils grow healthy crops, feed healthy livestock, and nourish a healthy society.
That’s the foundation of everything we do.’
Has your work influenced others beyond your own farm?
‘I hope so. Through initiatives like the Farm Walks, we’ve shown that simple, affordable innovations can have a big impact. Other farmers have started implementing similar water management systems.
My son, who's studying agricultural engineering, is also considering returning to the farm.
That gives me hope for the future - that younger generations will see agriculture not just as tradition, but as a vibrant, sustainable career.’
What do you believe are the biggest challenges and opportunities for farmers today?
‘Global warming is a huge challenge, but it also forces innovation.
Food production will shift to parts of the world that can do it sustainably and efficiently, and Ireland is well positioned.
However, farmers face growing pressure: environmental regulations, consumer expectations, and the need to remain economically viable.
Good policymaking, based on real evidence and science, is crucial.
Programmes like GROW can help by providing farmers with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to adapt and thrive.’
In your view, how important is education for farmers?
‘Education is vital. Not just for farmers, but for everyone, including consumers and policymakers.
Farmers have incredible practical experience, but they need access to the latest research and innovations too.
Training programmes should be flexible, relevant, and combine classroom learning with hands-on experience.
Travel and exposure to different farming systems across Europe can also be hugely valuable.
Seeing other approaches firsthand often sparks the best ideas.’
Finally, what is your vision for the future of farming?
‘I want to see farmers recognised as key players in building a sustainable planet.
Agriculture can be part of the solution to climate change, not just part of the problem.
We need to link scientific research with real-world business practice and trust farmers to lead the way.
Ultimately, I hope to leave a profitable and sustainable business for the next generation, while taking pride in the land we care for.’
Photo Credits : Ian Marshall, Comfrey/Closed Swale System, Spillage Emergency shut off valves : Valves to retain large quantities of wastewater in a natural reception pit in the event of a farm spillage, accident, or leakage.
Ian's Impact on society, environment, economy
People How is Ian impacting our Society?
‘One of the things I’m most proud of is how our project brought farmers together. It’s not just about the technology, it’s about changing mindsets. Through farm walks, seminars and peer learning, we’ve encouraged other farmers to take small but meaningful steps towards sustainability. I think it’s also important for younger generations to see the opportunities in farming.’
Planet How is Ian impacting our Environment?
‘By slowing and filtering rainwater naturally through underground swales and comfrey plants, we’re keeping nutrients out of rivers and protecting the wider environment. It’s a fairly low-cost, nature-based solution that could be applied on hundreds of farms without major disruption. We’ve proven that sustainable practices can be practical, scalable, and effective.’
Profit How is Ian impacting our economy?
‘Financially, the system makes a lot of sense. For an initial investment of around €10,000, we created a solution that has no running costs, no energy needs, and removes the risk of costly fines or environmental compliance issues. Beyond my own farm, I believe solutions like this can make farming more resilient and profitable across the sector by saving resources, protecting natural assets, and improving long-term productivity.’
More details about the Underground Swales Project to Manage Wastewater Run-off from Farms
Through the Water Innovation Network EIP project new nature-based systems were designed that work much better for a farmer than the usual reed beds or wetlands.
The dirty water is diverted through a series of very slow flowing trenches. The trenches are filled with 50mm stones and backfilled to prevent the loss of productive land. Russian comfrey (the non‐invasive type), which puts down 2.5-meter-long roots, is planted above the trenches.
Any surplus dirty water can be directed from the last trench into an area of willow, for a final ‘polish’. Comfrey leaves produce more higher protein foliage than grass and is great for pollinators when left to flower.
After installation the land can still be used for farming as before. By making silage from the comfrey leaves and feeding it to cattle, the polluting nutrients are recycled via a profitable and safe, nature-based solution.
This underground swale and comfrey system is completely new but has already been working well for 2 years on the farm.
The proposed nature-based solution needs to be properly designed. A surveyor needs to take levels so that an appropriate length and gradient can be applied. Some guidelines can be drawn up. Several digger operators now have good experience having worked on pilot schemes – more could be trained very easily.
Photo Credits : Ian Marshall, Completed underground swale system, Just 1100 comfrey plants to be planted