Lakeland Dairies will hold a water quality event to highlight the benefits of the Farming for Water project in the Moynalty catchment, Co. Meath on Tuesday, December 3 from 11:00a.m to 1:00p.m.
The event, which is supported by the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) and Teagasc, will provide information of the €60 million Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP).
Farmers are being encouraged to attend the event on the farm of Sean and John Gilsenan. Speakers on the day will include representatives from Lakeland Dairies, Teagasc and LAWPRO.
Lakeland Dairies has chosen the Moynalty Catchment as a “champion catchment” to act as an example for farmers across the region to drive improvements in their area.
Tirlán and Kepak are also supporting the event which will have Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) members present too.
ASSAP advisors visit farms in relevant areas, highlighting any issues identified and then make recommendations on actions to the farmer to mitigate the issues.
Measures for the €60 million plan are designed and implemented in collaboration with farmers and will be targeted specifically to address local challenges.
Over the course of the last year, the Lakeland Dairies’ team has carried out over 1,000 farm visits aimed at maintaining and improving water quality.
Water quality
Group head of sustainability with Lakeland Dairies, Rory Farrell said: “Water quality is the bedrock of our entire industry and, as a co-op, we are all motivated to see further improvements in this space. Our farmers are playing a real leadership role in delivering water quality improvements.”
ASSAP programme manager at Teagasc, Noel Meehan said: “ASSAP advisors are available to support farmers in applying to the Farming for Water EIP for funding.
“For water quality to improve it is essential that the right measure is put in the right place, ASSAP advisors will assist farmers in identifying what these measures are and the EIP will provide financial support to farmers to get these in place.”
“By working with farmers in the Moynalty and targeting the measures we can start to move water quality in the catchment in the right direction,” he said.