Food Harvest 2020 has set ambitious targets for Irish Agriculture. Irish livestock production is pasture-based and grass growth is a key factor both in terms of the production potential and profitability of the livestock. This means Irish agricultural systems and weather are inextricably linked. This was exemplified by the fodder crisis during the winter and spring of 2012-13 which resulted in significant losses to Irish agriculture.
Increased weather volatility may pose serious challenges for Irish agriculture. This has highlighted the need for better systems to monitor grass growth at a national and farm level that allow weather-based decision support and risk assessment and risk management in the sector. Ultimately, there is a need to generate adaptation strategies for farmers and to build weather resilience into our production systems.
This conference will:
- Update stakeholders on the most current assessments of climate and future weather volatility
- Provide an assessment of the impact of the recent fodder crisis on agriculture and lessons learned
- Unveil exciting new research in monitoring grass growth and providing decision -support
- Identify stakeholder needs in terms of building on-farmadaptive capacity
There is no charge for the conference, but registration is essential. 5 December 2013, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin
To register please email your name, organisation and contact details to: weatherconference2013@teagasc.ie
The full conference programme can be viewed here.
