Catchment Science 2019 Conference
‘A Feast of Science’ is how Teagasc Chairman Liam Herlihy described the Catchment Science 2019 conference in Wexford, which is taking place over the next three days (4-6 November). The theme for the conference is “Achieving quality water in diverse and productive agricultural landscapes under a changing climate.”
‘A Feast of Science’ is how Teagasc Chairman Liam Herlihy described the Catchment Science 2019 conference in Wexford, which is taking place over the next three days (4-6 November). The theme for the conference is “Achieving quality water in diverse and productive agricultural landscapes under a changing climate.”
Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said that the translation of Science into Practice and the relationship of the advisors with the farmer clients has facilitated the outcomes of the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP). The Minister thanked the 300 farmers in the 6 catchments for their contribution in demonstrating Ireland’s ability to farm efficiently, while adopting new approaches to farming which reduces agriculture’s footprint on the environment.
The Minister pointed out that the ACP has delivered substantial changes in nutrient management on farms. The proportion of fields with excess soil P has declined in four of the catchments, and the fields with very low, or low P have increased indicating an overall decline in soil P levels thus reducing risk of P loss to water and this reflects the national trend.
Claudia Olazabal, Head of unit, Land Use and Management, Directorate General for the Environment, European commission emphasised the importance of research, and the fact that decisions are made based on science, on the soil type, the farming practices and the climatic conditions. She stressed the need for tailored advice for farmers across Europe, based on balancing nutrients.
Over 250 international scientists, policy makers and farmers will attend the Catchment Science 2019 conference over the next three days. Liam Herlihy said: “This conference provides an opportunity for the scientists of the globe to share their thoughts on water quality and water initiatives in different countries.” The Teagasc Chairman acknowledged the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the Agricultural Catchments Programme which has been running since 2006.