IRELAND AND FARMING go hand in hand.
We have a proud history in this country, stretching back thousands of years, of producing the highest quality food and taking great care of this country’s predominantly pasture-based landscape. You might say that Irish farmers are experts in their field.
Irish farmers are focused on adopting new, progressive farming practices and making use of the very latest, often Irish-developed, often world-leading, technologies to maintain Irish dairy’s quality and to increase its environmental sustainability.
Our farmers now have a major role in fighting climate change. Dairy producers have been tasked with reducing their emissions by 25% by 2030, something that the industry is committed to and is taking very seriously.
In addition, the quality of our rivers, lakes and waterways is expected to be ‘good’ or above by 2027 and this will require continuing focus, effort and action by everyone involved in Irish agriculture.
Dairy farmers have already implemented numerous changes and improvements which are starting to have a positive effect on emissions, water quality and environmental sustainability generally.
As an example, farmers are incorporating clover and other plants into their pasture, to complement the mainstay of perennial ryegrass.
These plants help fix nitrogen in the soil which reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, thereby reducing emissions and helping to lessen impacts on Irish waterways.
The Irish dairy industry recognises the importance of clean waterways, but how much do you really know about the measures Irish farmers take to reduce agriculture’s impact on the water that flows through them? Take our quiz below and see how you get on.
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