Farmers in the Kerry Agribusiness and Teagasc knowledge transfer programme will receive advice on how to lower their carbon footprint and improve biodiversity.

Kerry Agribusiness and Teagasc launched the new phase of their dairy joint programme ‘farming for a new decade’ on Tuesday.

It will promote economic, social and environmentally sustainable dairy farm systems to Kerry Agribusiness suppliers.

Fifteen demonstration farms are taking part in the programme and farmers will be given a tailored range of activities which are focused on supporting advancements in best practice and technology adoption.

At the virtual launch of the three-year joint programme on Tuesday, CEO of Kerry primary dairy and agribusiness Pat Murphy said that the new phase of the joint programme represents an investment of €1m by Kerry Agribusiness over the next three years.

“This programme will have an increased focus on reducing carbon footprint, improving water quality, animal welfare and biodiversity. This will further enhance our sustainability credentials, strengthen our position as world leaders in sustainable milk production, and enable us to provide safe and nutritious food to our global customers while protecting our natural resources”.

Challenges

Professor Gerry Boyle commented: “We are delighted to be working with these 15 demonstration farmers and with Kerry Agribusiness on a new phase of the joint programme.

“The increased emphasis on reducing carbon footprint and enhancing water quality reflects the challenges facing all farmers over the next decade.

“This environmental focus, coupled with the latest technical farming advice and financial expertise, will provide a basis for sustainable farming into the future.”

Demonstration farms

The 15 demonstration farms taking part in the programme are representative of herd sizes of Kerry Agribusiness suppliers and are geographically spread across the Kerry Agribusiness catchment area.

There will be a strong focus placed on nutrient management planning, effective use of nitrogen and economic breeding index (EBI) of herds to optimise productivity and further advancements in the conversion of grazed pasture to milk solids production.

Teagasc dairy business and technology advisers Ger Courtney and Robert Prendiville will manage and provide the technical services for the programme.

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