The Department of Housing has recently launched its River Basin and Management Plan 2018-2021. It outlines a farm inspection process based on water quality results and the launch of the Agricultural and Sustainability and Support Programme (ASSP).
The programme will be part of an advisory plan which will see 20 Teagasc and 10 dairy co-op advisors provide information to farmers on best on-farm water practices.
This is the first attempt of its kind on the globe
The dairy advisors will focus on working with the 18,000 dairy farmers in Ireland, while the specially trained Teagasc advisors provide support for up to 5,000 farmers in designated ‘areas of action’.
“This represents a major collaborative effort by all aspects of the industry companies and farm organisations, along with Teagasc, the EPA, Board Bia, DAFM, the Department of Housing and local authorities. This is the first attempt of its kind on the globe,” the director of Dairy Industry Ireland, Conor Mulvihill, said.
We want to drive win-win scenarios for all
“The goals are to improve profitability of farmers on the ground by helping them get their soil nutrients right so they produce more grass and use less fertiliser and feed.
“We want to drive win-win scenarios for all.
“This will have the run-on result of higher water quality in local rivers because of better farmyard management and less run-offs from unnecessary fertiliser usage.”
Farming activities are the leading cause of 53% of the 1,460 water bodies that are classified ‘at risk’ and, as exports increase under FoodWise 2025, the international image of a sustainable, green, Irish food market is now intrinsically linked to our water quality.
Water quality map.
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