Soils and Environment Programme
What is the programme?
Sustainable farming poses a particular but not insurmountable challenge for farmer clients. We provide the best science and advice to reconcile the often conflicting demands of a competitive and profitable industry, and environmental regulation.
Developing and Supporting Sustainable Systems of Agriculture
Over half of Teagasc clients participate in an environmental scheme. Sustainable farming poses a particular but not insurmountable challenge for commercial clients.
We provide the best science and advice to reconcile the often conflicting demands of a competitive and profitable industry, and environmental regulation.
Key Services
Professional scheme support services including environmental training courses.
Professional fertiliser management planning and support services for the Nitrates Derogation, planning regulation, Local Authority bye laws and tax incentive scheme requirements.
Comprehensive environmental advice and support service to farmers undertaking farmyard renovation and improvement projects.
The range of advisory activities is also designed to raise environmental awareness among farmers generally. The programme embraces water quality protection, emissions reduction and countryside management issues.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is open to all full-time and part-time farm who wish to develop economically and environmentally sustainable systems.
How can you avail of the service?
The programme is available through any Teagasc office
Resources
All Teagasc advisers are involved to a greater or lesser extent in the delivery of the agri-environmental programme. The work ranges from the provision of environmental scheme services on mainly extensive farms to support and advice on the complex Nitrates Derogation issue on our commercial farms.
Teagasc is the largest provider of Environmental Support Services in Ireland. The overall agri-environmental programme is led by a Programme Manager and six national specialists who support the delivery of the programme through the advisers in the field.
Why use the Programme?
As part of a national organisation, Teagasc advisers share a large pool of environmental advisory knowledge and expertise. This, in turn, is supported by our environmental research division at Johnstown Castle. We are now building on our track record and experience by improving the way we deliver services.
Delivering for Drystock
Teagasc’s Environment and Technology advisers service 15,000 mainly drystock farmers. These advisers deliver on the technology needs of the less commercial farmers. Environment and Technology advisers also deliver the programme to their clients.
Environment and Technology advisers also provide the agri-environmental service with a particular focus on AEOS and REPS support. Environmental planning advice including habitat protection and establishment, and increased biodiversity, are an important part of this brief.
Delivery
The programme is provided through a network of advisers located throughout Ireland. These advisers are backed up by additional specialists and researchers when required.