Targeted farm action 'improves water quality'

Pathway to Sustainable Dairy strategy document says water quality is demonstrably improved by localised, science-led interventions

European Environment Agency data shows that Ireland still has the highest water quality among major dairy producers across Europe. Stock picture

Water quality demonstrably improved, when localised, science-led interventions were driven by ASSAP and the Farming for Water EIP, according to Dairy Industry Ireland’s new Pathway to Sustainable Dairy strategy.

According to the strategy document, recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data indicating a slight decline in overall surface water health left Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation under unprecedented scrutiny.