Farmers facing the sustainability challenge

Farmers are increasingly facing the challenge of sustainability from an economic, social, and environmental perspective.

Teagasc director Gerry Boyle said yesterday that its research on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, protecting water quality, enhancing soil structure and fertility and encouraging biodiversity will help.

“We have identified win-win solutions for farmers to adopt on their own farms and we would encourage all farmers to look to implement these,” he said.

Head of environment knowledge transfer Pat Murphy said low-emission slurry spreading and protected urea are two technologies that farmers must adopt if the levels of ammonia and greenhouse gases coming from agriculture are to be seriously addressed.

“Enhancing biodiversity on farms, particularly through hedges and field margins, will be critical to the future,” he said.

David Wall, environment researcher, said addressing issues like soil compaction and nutrient loss are steps individual farmers can take to improve their business.

An outdoor Teagasc exhibition at the ploughing championships showcases many farming practices for the environment.