ClieNFarms and ClimateFarmDemo projects hold joint annual meeting in Cork

Over 160 European delegates attended the joint annual meeting of the Horizon 2020 funded ClieNFarms and Horizon Europe funded ClimateFarmDemo projects held in Cork earlier this week.

Delegates visited Teagasc Moorepark for their annual meeting, and three demonstration farms.  Both EU-funded projects aim to increase the use of climate-smart farming practices, with demonstration farms being a central component in both projects also.  Demonstration farms have a long tradition in Ireland, and have proved to be an effective means of supporting farmers in addressing problems, and testing solutions at the farm level. 

Across both projects, there are almost 1,700 demonstration farmers, adopting climate mitigation and adaptation measures and solutions and sharing their experiences with other farmers.  Over the three days of the annual meeting delegates reviewed activities under both projects and were updated on planned activities for the year ahead.

Jacques-Eric, Project Coordinator, ClieNFarms said; “ClieNFarms puts the farmer at the centre of the transition to more climate neutral farms. However, such a transition cannot be performed by the farmer alone. There is a need to involve the full ecosystem surrounding the farming system: advisors, researchers, retailers, citizens, finance, agri-food supply chain, processors, policy-makers, academics and so on. Our project incorporates all the various players of this large ecosystem by organizing collaborative participatory workshops (the creative arena), testing some of the proposed solutions (in real life on farm) keeping in mind the three pillars of farm sustainability and share the knowledge and lessons through open/field days, farming press, factsheets and policy briefs.”

Christine Berger, Project Manager, ClimateFarmDemo said; “Climate Farm Demo is an ambitious European initiative for involving stakeholders and farmers in the climate transition. By applying adaptation and mitigation measures on our network of demonstration farms, we want to highlight the feasibility of this transition and the involvement of the agricultural sector in answering European and global objectives. Knowledge exchanges and partnerships will improve the sustainability of the agricultural sector for the next 20 years." 

Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Signpost Programme, Teagasc and ClimateFarm Demo Work Package Leader said; “Teagasc is delighted to have hosted this large group of agricultural professionals from across Europe.  Creating opportunities for sharing experiences is an important element in fostering collaborations with European colleagues.  We showcased our approach to supporting demonstration farmers and delegates participated in three demonstration events on farms.”

Deirdre Hennessy, Lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture (Grassland), University College Cork and ClieNFarms Work Package Leader said; “Identifying and demonstrating solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration on farms across Europe will enhance knowledge exchange between farmers and support farmers in transitioning to climate neutrality.”