Signpost Climate Actions
Programme Plan | Programme Design | Climate Actions | Farm Sustainability Plan | Linking with Partners
Teagasc will work with the Signpost Farmers to reduce their environmental footprint, while also improving both the profitability and sustainability of their farming businesses.
The solution for each farm will be somewhat different and will be tailored to suit the individual farmer and farm. The dairy Signpost Farmers will be striving to achieve the type of targets listed in Table 1. The beef and sheep Signpost Farmers will aim to achieve the targets listed in Table 2. Teagasc Advisers will work with and support the Signpost Farmers as they change how they farm.
A Farm Sustainability Plan (FSP) will be created with each Signpost farmer – identifying areas for improvement and action. All farmers will receive a Farm Sustainability report at the end of each year.This report will benchmark their progress, against their starting point, other Signpost farmers and the targets set for the farm. The data collection and analysis methodology of the National Farm Survey will be used for recording, analysing and reporting on both individual and overall performance.
Table 1: Indicative Key Indicators of Success (KIS) for Dairy Signpost Farms
Area1 | Target |
---|---|
GHG Emissions |
|
Pasture productivity & stocking rate |
|
Reduced fertiliser use |
|
Optimum soil fertility |
|
Adequate slurry storage |
|
Replacement rate |
|
Concentrate CP % |
|
Biodiversity |
|
Costs & returns |
|
Table 2: Indicative Key Indicators of Success (KIS) for Beef & Sheep Signpost Farms
Area | Target |
---|---|
GHG Emissions |
|
Pasture productivity & stocking rate |
|
Reduced fertiliser use |
|
Optimum soil fertility |
|
Adequate slurry storage |
|
Replacement rate |
|
Concentrate CP % |
|
Biodiversity |
|
Costs & returns |
|
Engaging all farmers
The Signpost Advisory campaign is the second element of the Signpost programme.
The Signpost Advisory Campaign will mobilize advisers - Teagasc, private and industry - and teachers to engage with both farmers and students in climate action.
A hybrid or blended approach to training, using both traditional and digital approaches willbe used. Traditional “tried and tested” development approaches of short training courses, events, discussions groups, one-to-one consultations and media willbe used. A training programme, initially for advisers, consultants and other rural professionals and then for all farmers, will form a key part of Signpost Advisory. This training course will enable farmers to identify appropriate climate actions for their farms; farmers can then work with a trained adviser to develop a FSP for their own farm.
Teagasc will investigate a digital learning approach to raising awareness of and bringing about climate action. We will explore with our Signpost partners how best to roll out training to their suppliers, and are willing to consider adjusting our approach depending on partner requirements. We would like to explore with partners how suppliers could be motivated to engage with digital learning.
We will build on our existing knowledge resources to develop a dedicated website - a “one-stop shop” for climate action. A rich and varied digital learning resource, potentially including podcasts, videos, micro-learning resources and online self-assessment tools willbe created. Learning materials will be developed using a co-design approach.
A communications database will be extablished targeted communications issued on a regular basis. We will leverage both Teagasc and partner networks/ communications channels to extend climate action messages.
Finally, Teagasc and Bord Bia have an agreement in place on developing a communications strategy from the Signpost Programme to support the reduction of agricultural emissions.