The challenges of improving water quality in Irish farming will come into focus at the Agricultural Science Association’s (ASA) annual conference on 3 September at the Killashee Hotel, Naas.

The session, 'Water, climate and licence to operate: embracing the environmental challenge,' will bring together figures from research, environmental regulation, Government, the agri-food industry and farming to examine the progress being made, along with some of the harsh realities facing the sector.

The discussion will cover water quality and nitrates, the regulatory requirements ahead, and how the sector can continue producing food while improving its environmental performance.

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Speakers

The speakers for this session include:

  • Dr Bridget Lynch, research officer, Teagasc.
  • Dr Jenny Deakin, programme manager, EPA.
  • Thomas Ryan, head of agri-sustainability and customer engagement, Tirlán.
  • Seán Cummins, dairy farmer.
  • Bill Callanan, chief inspector, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

    • “There is a lot of good work being done across the sector to improve water quality, but there are still big challenges ahead. This conference provides an opportunity for an open and honest discussion about the progress being made and what more can be done to improve water quality,” ASA president Dale Crammond said.