Farming for the Future – Open Farm Walk & Talk

To achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability, we need clean, healthy and resilient rivers. Currently, according to the EPA, only 54% of Irish rivers (surface waters) are achieving Good or High Status while only 36% of our estuaries are achieving this. Under the Water Framework Directive, Ireland must ensure 100% of its water bodies, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries, and coastal waters, achieve at least good ecological status.

To reach these goals and safeguard the nitrates derogation, Tirlán invites farmers to a practical and pragmatic farm walk on Friday the 21st at 11am. The event will showcase efforts to improve water quality. “Farming for the Future” is a collaborative event between Tirlán and Teagasc, hosted at Donal Kavanagh’s farm near Baltinglass, Co. Wiclow (W91 YD25).

The event aims to offer farmers action focused advice and highlight the significant efforts made by farmers to improve water quality. Speakers on the day will be from Tirlán, Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, and Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO). The agenda of the event is as follows:

Stand 1: Farm actions to support good water quality

Speaker: Sandra Hayes (Teagasc-Tirlán Future Farm Programme Co-Ordinator)

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is an indicator of the proportion of N which is recovered in the product that is being sold i.e. milk, meat, or crops and can also be used to indicate a farm's potential nitrogen pollution. Sandra aims to educate and influence farmers on better nutrient use efficiency (NUE) for the farm and nature. She will be showcasing the steps Donal has taken to improve his NUE, such as focusing on soil fertility, the incorporation of clover to reduce chemical fertiliser, and how you can get the most out of your slurry.

 

Speaker: Bridget Lynch (Teagasc- Research Officer)

Bridget will create an understanding of the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) and the six sites within the catchment. She will also be discussing the key learnings from the combined research and KT programme, covering soils, nutrient management, weather and changes in farming. Further, Bridget will outline the research undertaken on the timing of nutrient application, and the impacts on water quality.

 

Stand 2: Programmes to support good water quality

Speaker: Matthew Moylan (Tirlán- Farm Sustainability Advisor)

Matthew will give an overview of the free, confidential advisory service provided by the team of sustainability advisors within Tirlán. His discussion will give farmers an insight into the benefits of engaging with the farm sustainability advisor in your region, both financially and environmentally. Matthew will also be discussing Tirlán’s River Slaney Project and the key focus areas such as on farm critical source areas, slurry storage facilities, and improving milk solids.

 

Speaker: Mairead Shore (LAWPRO- Catchment Scientist)

Catchment Scientist Mairead Shore will be in attendance to outline the Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project. The €60 million project hopes to bring about improvements in water quality. Rainwater management plans will be developed for farmers taking part in the EIP. These plans aim to determine the nature of pollution vulnerability from pollution impact potential maps. Mairead will discuss how the project aims to deliver targeted actions to reduce losses of nutrients, sediment and pesticides from agricultural lands, i.e. ‘breaking the pathway’. This stand will inform farmers on farmyard and land management measures which they could receive funding for to implement. 

 

Stand 3: Nitrates Derogation: What’s happening next?

Speaker: Noeleen McDonald (Department of Agriculture- Assistant Agricultural Inspector)

Noeleen will discuss the current trends in water quality and the pressure Irish agriculture is having on water quality. She will be encouraging farmers to engage with the ‘Farming for Water’ EIP as there is a need to see some improvement. Noeleen will then touch on the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and the basic measures within this that farmers can implement to protect water quality. Finally, Noeleen will focus on current actions farmers can take to safeguard the derogation.

 

Speaker: Thomas Ryan (Tirlán- Head of Agri Sustainability)

Thomas will set out Tirlán’s campaign of action to support farm family suppliers in their ambition to retain the nitrates derogation. He will outline the additional resources and expertise deployed by Tirlán in the development of the Slaney Farm Support Service and the plans to increase supports across other catchments. Thomas will also outline key engagements taking place, including presentations to the Dáil’s Oireachtas Agriculture Committee and also to the European Commission. Finally, attendees will be reminded of the funding available through Tirlán’s Sustainability Action Payment and encouraged to log on to Tirlán FarmLife and declare their actions.

 

A panel discussion featuring industry leaders will also be held will also take place, among them Dr. Frank O’Mara, Director, Teagasc; Bill Callanan, Chief Inspector, Department of Agriculture;  the IFA, Denis Drennan, President, ICMSA and Mary Gurrie, EPA. 

The event is open to all farmers, with a particular focus on Tirlán dairy and grain suppliers, and will provide an opportunity to engage directly with business leaders and sustainability programme leads. The on-farm event closes over light refreshments and an open panel discussion.

 

First Published 18 June 2024

 

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