Smart farming focuses on sound solutions at Tralee climate dialogue
THE Department of Environment recently held an engaging regional gathering on climate action in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
During a day of ideas, science and forward thinking the Environmental Protection Agency, university lecturers and others highlighted climate challenges, while members of the public from Cork, Clare, Kerry and Limerick outlined the actions they were taking to make a climate difference in their local communities.
On the day, Martin Stapleton, a dairy farmer from Oola in County Limerick, talked about his participation in the IFA and EPA led Smart Farming programme. This voluntary scheme supports farm families to identify cost savings and environmental improvements on their farms.
It also facilitates farming communities to discuss the results and benefits of focusing on better resource management on their farms.
Farmers who participated in the Smart Farming programme this year identified ways to reduce their costs by at least €7,000 and ways to reduce their climate impact by 9%.
“Sustainability on my farm isn’t optional. I want to hand over the farm to the next generation more economically and environmentally sustainable, and help my neighbours to do the same. That’s why I took the Smart Farming challenge. I encourage all farmers to think hard about taking part,” Martin Stapleton said.
Other speakers on the day included Conor Murphy from NUI Maynooth, Margaret Desmond EPA, Tara Shine Change by Degrees, Niamh McKenna, Change X, Deirdre de Bhailís, Dingle Creativity and Innovation Hub and Martha Farrell, Maharees Conservation Association.