What was the challenge/problem addressed?

Irish farmers, and the Irish agricultural sector, are facing a significant challenge to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from their farming activities. In 2021, Teagasc agri-food industry partners, to collaboratively support Irish farmers in this transition. Partners include farming organisations, milk and meat processors, input suppliers, financial institutions, Government, State Agencies and media organisations. Teagasc realised that a “whole-of-industry” approach was required to tackle the climate challenge.

How did you solve the problem?

We put farmers are the centre of our strategy. The first step involved the selection of approximately 120 farmers to act as demonstration farmers for the Signpost Programme. All of the main farming enterprises were represented. The demonstration farmers f

What is innovative in your practical case?

The most significant innovation relates to the “whole of industry” approach taken, the fact that Teagasc has created a programme to which over 60 key actors in the Irish agricultural sector are committed to.

What are the success factors in solving the problem?

Clear leadership and direction are important. Teagasc has published a Marginal Abatement Cost Curve for GHG emissions and this research work has provided Teagasc, the Signpost Programme and the Irish agriculture sector with a roadmap to achieving our clim

Lessons learned

Addressing climate change, and reducing GHG emissions, is a complex process and will require a sustained effort over many years. There is no “silver bullet” solution, and for many farmers, reducing GHG emissions will require changes to a number of areas of their farming systems. The availability of farm specific measurements and data – both in terms of GHG emissions and the use of individual mitigation and adaptation measures – is vital to focusing attention on priority areas for action; we have placed a great deal of emphasis on providing such reports to our demonstration farmers and their advisors to allow for informed decisions.

What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?

They provide leadership and support to the Signpost demonstration farmers, as well as sharing messages from the farms with Teagasc colleagues, Signpost partners and other farmers.

Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?

Yes

Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5

(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)

3

For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact 

Tom O’Dwyer

tom.odwyer@teagasc.ie

Link to external information

www.teagasc.ie/signpost

@TeagascSignpost (X)