Teagasc Signpost Conference and General Assembly
The Teagasc Signpost Programme hosted its annual conference and General Assembly today, Thursday, 21 November, at the Park Hotel, Clonmel, County Tipperary. The Signpost Programme is a collaborative partnership of farmers, industry and State Agencies, working together for climate action. As Phase 1 of the programme approaches its final year, this year’s General Assembly offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved through the dedication of farmers and partners.
The event brought together a diverse group of farmers, industry leaders, advisors, and researchers, featuring an agenda that combined cutting-edge science, inspiring farmer success stories, and practical, actionable advice.
In his opening address, Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, emphasised the significant progress Irish farmers have made in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the latest EPA report, GHG emissions have decreased by 4.6% in 2023, reaching 20.78 MtCO₂e, which accounts for 37.8% of Ireland’s total GHG emissions. This reduction reflects several key changes, including decreased nitrogen fertiliser usage, increased adoption of protected urea, and greater use of lime and Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) technology. These advancements not only demonstrate that emissions reductions are achievable, but also underscore the additional benefits of such efforts: improved farm efficiency, better water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and greater profitability. However, Professor O’Mara stressed that these outcomes require ongoing commitment and change.
Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Head of the Teagasc Signpost Programme, outlined the substantial progress made by the Signpost Farms initiative in addressing climate change within Irish agriculture. The programme has been pivotal in raising awareness among farmers, building their capacity to interpret emissions profiles, and promoting the adoption of recognised climate mitigation measures. For instance, chemical nitrogen usage on Signpost dairy farms has declined by 21%, compared to a 14% reduction nationally. Similarly, NBPT-protected urea accounts for 67% of chemical nitrogen used on Signpost farms, significantly higher than the national average of 27%. On cattle farms, 53% of chemical nitrogen is now NBPT-protected urea, and overall chemical nitrogen use has dropped by 25%.
Barry Coonan from Met Éireann showed that Ireland has warmed by 0.7°C, become 7% wetter and sunnier by 4.5% over the period 1961-1990 to 1991-2020. The findings in these new 30-year averages are consistent with the results from Met Éireann’s TRANSLATE climate projections, which confirms the likelihood of a warmer and wetter climate annually for Ireland. Dr. Elodie Ruelle from Teagasc stated; “We need to be able to adapt to a changing climate. Climate change will create some opportunities and challenges. Better farm infrastructure, appropriate stocking rate and sufficient good quality forage stocks will all be necessary to properly adapt to future climate.”