All milk processors and co-ops, as well as the beef and sheep industry, are to be invited to participate in the initial stages of the Signpost Programme, Teagasc has said.
This initiative will be the agricultural authority’s proposal to “prompt climate action by Irish farmers”.
It is envisaged that the programme will be broadened to include other sectors such as tillage and the users of Irish grain and the pig sector.
The agency said: “Teagasc recognises that the objectives of the Signpost programme can only be achieved through collaboration.
“We will continually engage with our partners and stakeholders to maximise their contributions to all aspects of the various work programmes that will be part of the overall Signpost programme.
“We will strive to ensure that the programme is aligned with their requirements.”
- Adopt a partnership approach to training delivery;
- Leverage existing communications channels to raise awareness of both the need for climate action and opportunities for training and support;
- Provide training opportunities for their people; and
- Leverage their expertise, market insights and farmer linkages to accelerate the pace and scale of change.
“Finally, we will also be seeking the financial support of partners for the delivery of the Signpost programme,” the agency said.
Bord Bia’s role
Teagasc notes that Bord Bia will be a partner in the Signpost Programme, noting:
The Origin Green Quality Assurance (QA) schemes could be an important part of the plan to reach out to all farmers.
Highlighting that there is an “overwhelming need to promote climate action” and the widest possible adoption of Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) technologies across the entire farming community, Teagasc added:
“Bord Bia, through its Origin Green farm-based initiatives can support the scaling of the Teagasc initiatives.
“Their expertise will be harnessed in developing the messaging and communications around the programme, and they will use the very existence of the programme in their international marketing of Irish food.”