Better Farming for Water ensures water quality for future – Macra

Ireland’s farming landscape has long been shaped by its rivers, streams and tributaries, with land and water quality intrinsically linked through generations of Irish farm families.

Many farmers continue to live and work alongside these watercourses, relying on them not only to support agricultural production but also to sustain local communities, recreation, wellbeing and rural tourism.

In recent years, water quality has come into sharper focus, and Irish farmers have been clear in their input and engagement that protecting water is essential for both environmental sustainability and the future viability of farming.

Farmers recognise that safeguarding water quality is critical to maintaining the nitrates derogation and to preserving the natural environments in which they live and work.

Their practical knowledge, built up over generations, is central to identifying workable, on-farm solutions that protect water while maintaining productive and resilient farm systems.

Agriculture has played, and will continue to play, a key role in Ireland’s efforts to achieve and sustain good water quality outcomes.

In response, Teagasc has launched its Better Farming for Water campaign, designed to support and accelerate the adoption of targeted actions on farms to protect and improve all water bodies to good or high ecological status.

The programme focuses on three core management areas: nutrient management, farmyard and land management.

These are delivered through eight practical actions for change, building on existing good practice and supporting farmers to make incremental, achievable improvements suited to their individual farming systems.

A key element of the campaign is its catchment-based approach, with eight priority catchments identified: the Nore, Slaney, Barrow, Boyne, Suir, Blackwater, Lee and Bandon–Ilen.

Each catchment will have tailored workplans, informed by local conditions and farmer input, with clear targets and timelines to deliver measurable improvements in water quality.

Macra, as a partner in the campaign, was pleased to be involved in and attend the launch of Better Farming for Water, reaffirming its commitment to supporting young farmers and encouraging farmer-led action to protect Ireland’s water resources for future generations.