Environment

Farming in an Environmentally Sustainable Way
 

Farming is playing an increasingly important role in helping to preserve and enhance the environment. For over a decade farmers have embraced the Rural Environmental Research Scheme (REPS), and taken solid measures to improve the environment around them. Under REPS4, kilometers of new hedgerows are being planted and kilometres more of existing hedges are being rejuvenated. This is all helping to maintain and improve biodiversity.  

Through the Advisory service Teagasc provides a comprehensive REPS planning service for farmers, while the team of Good Farm Practice advisers assist producers to plan their crop nutrient needs and comply with the regulations.

The Teagasc advisory programmes are underpinned by research conducted at the Teagasc Environmental Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, county Wexford. Society is increasingly facing the global challenges of climate change and a shortage of clean water. Agriculture, backed up by solid research can play an important role in addressing these issues.  The challenge facing research is to allow commercial farming in sustainable environmental way.