Teagasc marks Earth Day 2021
Teagasc marks Earth Day today. We reflect on ways in which we contribute to improving the Earth through our integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture & food industry and rural communities. Learn more here about Teagasc & the Environment, and A day in the life of research
Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities.
Environment, Soils and Land-Use Research Department
Our Environment, Soils and Land-Use Research Department Objective is to develop technologies and management strategies that help farmers to achieve economic and environmental sustainability. We work to improve nutrient efficiency, soil fertility and water quality on Irish farms while maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and reducing gaseous emissions, all to improve the carbon footprint of Irish agriculture produce.
Read more about the department Environment, Soils and Land-Use Research (PDF)
Teagasc Advisory Service
The Teagasc Advisory Service provides independent, professional and research-backed advice and support to farmers through on-farm visits, consultations, discussion groups, seminars, open days, by phone and more. The agri-environmental programme 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. The programme embraces all of the research objectives and includes 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.
Find out more about the Farm Advisory Service here
Education
The five Teagasc colleges are strategically located and deliver a wide range of Level 5 and Level 6 courses in agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry. The colleges also collaborate with a number of third level institutions in the delivery of Higher Level courses in agriculture and horticulture.The education department of Teagasc partner with three private agriculture colleges in the delivery of agriculture education. Environment is a key component of the Teagasc Education Courses run throught the colleges and the regional education centres. A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environmental Management (Level 7 and Level 8) are among the available options to study.
Find more on the Teagasc courses here
It's a Fact...
Carbon dioxide (CO2) It is a natural, normal constituent of our air. It keeps the temperature of the earth at an approximate +15°C. Without it, life on earth would not be possible as temperatures would average -18°C. The problem is, due to human-related activities, there is now far too much CO2 in our atmosphere which ‘superheats’ the surface of the earth causing once stable ecosystems to become unbalanced.
Have you ever seen what effect having too much CO2 has on our atmosphere?
A day in the Life of...James Rambaud, Teagasc Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle demonstrates a small experiment here that you can try at home
Did you know that with the help of plants and careful land management we can remove some of that CO2 from our atmosphere and store it underground as Carbon (C)? With careful management, agricultural soils can be carbon sinks but if poorly managed can quickly become sources. Restoring drained wetlands and planting extra hedgerows, forestry and woodlands are all excellent ways to increase your carbon sequestration potential.
Find out more at the Teagasc Environment homepage here
