Details of energy in poultry event announced
THE upcoming Energy in Poultry event will look at the various energy saving opportunities for farmers together with renewable energy deployment opportunities. The Energy in Poultry event, which is organised by Teagasc in association with IFAC, will take place on Friday, 14 th December at Teagasc Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan.
Details of the upcoming Energy in Poultry Event were announced today, Monday, 26 November, when the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, visited the poultry farm of Finian O’Harte at Leonards Island, in Clones, County Monaghan.
Energy in Poultry will feature a comprehensive seminar programme with some of the leading experts in the industry. This, combined with a showcase of energy in poultry technology suppliers, funding providers and advisory bodies, means the event is a one-stop shop for anybody involved in poultry in Ireland.
Minister Heather Humphreys said “Efforts have been made by the agri-industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to date. More options can be considered, which could increase the efficiency of agricultural production and meet our environmental obligations. By working together to meet the GHG challenge we can map our own future and grow production in a sustainable and profitable way.”
Earlier this year Teagasc appointed Michael Duffy as a new Teagasc poultry advisor. Speaking at today’s launch, Michael Duffy said; “Energy efficiency and the adoption of efficient technology, including renewable energy are just two of the ways in which a poultry business can improve its competitiveness and lower its carbon footprint. Efficient poultry production is more likely to be a profitable farm, with lower carbon emissions per unit of output. For example lower emissions per kilo of chicken meat or per egg produced.”
He said: “Prospects for on-farm renewable energy projects will be boosted by two new initiatives: the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) and the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).”
Ciaran McCabe, IFAC Partner, and who will be speaking at the event stated; “IFAC are delighted to sponsor this event as it’s time that policy makers and the poultry industry see the opportunity of energy supply from agriculture and how farming can be one of the solutions to climate change and not just a contributor. Other EU countries such as Germany have shown how this can be achieved. Ireland can learn from this.”
On many farms there is scope to reduce the amount of energy consumed per unit of output, or to invest in a renewable energy technology and reduce the use of fossil fuels. There is an increasing focus on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in Government and with food retailers. The Irish economy has a high dependence on agriculture and as a consequence, the agricultural component to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland is relatively high compared to many other countries. Improving energy efficiency or investing in renewable technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of output and improve the green image of the poultry industry.
The Energy in Poultry event will provide farmers and advisors with useful information on how to make their business more sustainable through the use of renewable energy technologies. The contacts and links made at the event will be invaluable as poultry farmers strive to develop their business to become, or remain, competitive for the future. For full details of the event programme visit www.teagasc.ie