A major research project which aims to develop a low-emissions blueprint for fragmented dairy farms is to be undertaken by scientists at Teagasc, the South East Technological University (SETU) and the University of Galway.

Over €184,000 has been allocated to the project which is entitled ‘Zero Zero; Low-emissions dairy production without fertiliser or herbicides’.

The project will be headed up by James Humphreys who has led the research into lowering carbon and ammonia footprints at Teagasc’s Solohead Farm in Tipperary.

The research work aims to enhance the sustainability of the dairy sector by reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers and herbicides.

The SETU research team on the project will be headed up by Dr Imelda Casey from the university’s Department of Land Sciences.

SETU researchers are also involved in a collaborative project with Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

The project team has been tasked with developing a toolkit of tailored farm sustainability supports and solutions for Irish farmers which will help them meet their Climate Action Plan targets.

The SETU team on this AgNav project is being headed up by Kieran Sullivan and Dr Indrakshi Dey. Funding of €225,000 has been allocated to the research.

Funding for more than 20 agri-related projects was announced last week by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon TD.

“Today I am announcing €22.3 million in grant aid for 21 new research projects arising from my department’s 2023 Thematic Research Call,” Minister Heydon said.

“This will see research work being conducted across a wide range of areas including low emissions dairy production, carbon sequestration in agricultural soils, developing farmland nature credits, optimising oat production and processing for healthy foods, assessing the impact of deer in forestry, advancing the Irish wool sector, sustainable packaging materials, and improving shelf life of dairy products,” the minister outlined.