Teagasc conference to focus on farming’s environmental challenges

THE environmental challenges and opportunities facing farming will be the focus of the Teagasc Agri-environment Conference on September 7.

It will take place in the Ballykisteen Hotel, Co Tipperary, and afterwards at the Teagasc Solohead Research Farm.

Teagasc environment specialist Mark Gibson said issues, such as climate change, maintaining clean waterways and protecting soils, are being addressed by Irish farmers.

“It is now recognised that the Irish agri-food sector has a pivotal role to play in growing our economy. Both legislation and the market place demand that food is produced to the highest environmental standards and Irish farmers are responding positively to these demands,” he said.

The Teagasc Agri-environment Conference will be divided into a morning session, with broadcaster Duncan Stewarts giving the keynote address, followed by an afternoon farm walk on the Solohead farm.

A comprehensive update on agri-environmental matters along with an insight into the work carried out by the Teagasc Environmental Programme will be provided.

Teagasc said the conference will be of particular interest to agri-environmental consultants, policy makers, farmers and academics.