€1.7m project to use advanced slurry management technologies
A new farmer-led project is aiming to address the challenges associated with slurry management on farms.
The Slurry Solutions (Ssuper) European Innovation Partnership (EIP) will be launched on Friday (June 26) on the dairy farm of Gerard O’Reilly, chair of Cavan ICMSA (Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association).
The event will bring together participating farmers and the advisory committee to discuss the goals of the project.
Field trials and machinery demonstrations will also take place on the day.
Groups interested in soil health and water quality are invited to attend.
Slurry
The Slurry Solutions EIP, has been awarded €1.7 million by the EU and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to carry out on-farm trials in slurry separation, inoculation and evaluation to support the regeneration of soils and improve water quality.
Working across multiple sites and farming enterprises in the Upper Erne catchment, the project will use innovative and sustainable practices to transform management practices.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has congratulated the operational group on the launch.
"It's great to see this farmer-led project bringing people together to explore practical solutions to the challenges faced by soil health and water quality.
"Projects like this provide a practical framework for improving soil health and water quality while supporting collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst farmers," he said.
EIP project
Slurry Solutions (Ssuper) EIP project manager Denise Moran said that slurry management has become a pressing concern for farmers, environmental regulators and local communities.
“This project represents a significant step toward a more sustainable, circular farming system.
"By addressing the slurry issue through separation and remediation, we aim to restore soil health and alleviate storage issues whilst reducing emissions, improving water quality and empowering farmers with practical solutions," she said.
The project team has already begun their education programme with participating farmers and will commence on-farm slurry separation this year.
Gerard O’Reilly, dairy farmer and Cavan ICMSA chair, is among those participating in the project.
"Slurry is one of the best resources we as farmers have inside our farm gate.
"For too long we have treated slurry simply as a waste product. This project helps farmers to see the true value of slurry and understand the positive impact it can have on soil, grass growth and the farmers overall bottom line," he said.
