Researchers in Ireland and New Zealand have partnered to find solutions to the challenge of greenhouse gas emissions from grass-based livestock production systems having received a multi-million-euro funding boost.

The Department of Agriculture has awarded €3.6m to the research fund, with New Zealand’s contribution to see the total fund exceed €7m.

Four farming and climate projects will receive grants under this fund, which was announced by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon.

These projects will research rumen microbiology, technologies that monitor and reduce emissions, the breeding of lower emitting livestock and improvements to emissions inventories.

Critical issue

Minister McConalogue stated that the research will help improve the emissions that result from cattle and sheep farming, referring to methane emissions as being a “critical issue” for agriculture.

“Awards under this new partnership reflect the significant investment that both governments are making to help ensure the future sustainability of our livestock systems,” he commented.

Ireland-New Zealand partnership

Co-operating with the New Zealanders to study emissions can accelerate the emergence of technologies that will deliver climate solutions for farmers, according to Minister of State Martin Heydon.

Minister Heydon pointed out the similarities that exist between livestock farming systems here and in New Zealand.

“Ireland and New Zealand are unique in being faced with a significant challenge to reduce and offset emissions from our pasture-based, livestock farming systems,” he said.

"Research and innovation will play a key role in addressing that challenge.

“The collaboration we will see in these four projects, will bring together some of the best expertise, know-how, equipment and experience in both our countries and by working together, I am confident we can speed up the pace of the research and deliver solutions that the sector needs.”

Co-operation

This co-operation was remarked on by New Zealand’s Minister for Primary Industries Damien O’Connor, who said that both countries had recognised the need to cut emissions from agriculture.

“New Zealand and Ireland understand the complexities of farming systems and the need to enhance productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” the New Zealander commented.

“The partnership between New Zealand and Ireland, including the new projects announced today, will allow both countries to accelerate research to deliver much-needed tools and technology to farmers to reduce their emissions.”