AI (artificial intelligence) to support precision nitrogen management, improve the monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and strengthen the early detection of animal diseases.

Those are the uses of AI that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is currently researching.

That is according to Minister Martin Heydon, who was replying to parliamentary questions asked by deputy Malcolm Byrne in Dáil Éireann.

Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)

When asked to outline moves towards automation and the potential role of agricultural robots in future farming and food production, Heydon said:

"My department provides support for the adoption of these technologies through TAMS, including robotic slurry scrapers and robotic milking machines.

The minister also outlined how the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector will support industry investment in automation.

The scheme covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables (including seed potatoes), mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, apples, and beekeeping.

He said that industry investment in automation included optical graders that inspect, sort and grade fresh produce tackling rising input costs, labour shortages, and environmental targets.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2027 scheme is Friday, December 4, 2026.

Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund

The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, administered by Enterprise Ireland, offers support for research and development including in areas of robotics and automation.

The 8th call for proposals opened on October 1st and will close on February 3, 2027.

Heydon encouraged relevant stakeholders in the agri-food sector to consider the opportunity to make a proposal for funding.

The fund has a budget of €40 million available.

Transitioning towards AI

Deputy Byrne also asked the minister for his views on the way in which AI is transforming the farm sector and the action his department is making to support farmers in that transition. 

Minister Heydon said that DAFM "supports research into the application of AI in agriculture through competitive research funding programs and projects".

According to Heydon, on completion, the projects' findings will help farmers to understand and adopt emerging technologies, while promoting sustainable and productive farming.

However, he was also cautious to stress that AI systems within the department are operated under human oversight and are subject to robust governance, security, and data protection controls.

"My department is committed to ensuring that AI is deployed safely, ethically, and in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements," he said.