A major open day, Energy in Agriculture 2016 will take place at Gurteen Agricultural College, Co. Tipperary on Tuesday, 23rd August covering all aspects of energy use and generation on the farm. This event is free to attend and will include seminars, practical demonstrations and trade exhibitions and promises to be a must-see event for everybody involved in any aspect of agriculture.
Energy in Agriculture 2016, organised by Teagasc, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, Tipperary Energy Agency, Gurteen Agriculture College, will be one of the largest energy events to take place in Ireland.
The event, which is being run as part of the Teagasc ‘Get Farm Financially Fit Campaign’, builds on the reputation of Tipperary County Council and the Tipperary Energy Agency, in leading energy policy and the promotion of sustainable energy developments in the country.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, TD with Cllr Siobhain Ambrose, Cathaoirleach, Tipperary County Council; Barry Caslin Teagasc and local families attending the launch at the farm of Pat Curley’s in Gurth, Ballinasloe of Energy in Agriculture 2016, Gurteen Agricultural College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary on Tuesday, August 23rd.
Speaking at the launch of Energy in Agriculture 2016 recently on the dairy farm of Pat Curley, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon, Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Denis Naughten TD said: “Ireland is required to provide 16% of our energy needs (electricity, heating and transport) from renewables by 2020 under European energy policies. There is a further EU target to cut emissions by at least 20% compared to 2005 levels. Onfarm energy costs are an invisible form of expense. Dairy farms have a heavy reliance on electricity, mostly for collecting and cooling milk, heating water and lighting. Energy efficiency is now more important than ever for farmers. This joint event will help to raise awareness of energy conservation opportunities for farmers and motivate them to reduce waste. A cut in energy costs ultimately results in the same bottom line benefit as an increase in sales.”
Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy Specialist said: “In farming, energy costs may only represent a small percentage of turnover. But reducing them can directly increase profits and competitiveness. At a national level we need to improve our energy security by reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Energy efficiency is the first step to reduce your energy bills. Carry out an energy audit on your unit to identify any savings that can be made by doing things differently. Once these savings have been made then the renewable energy options can be considered.”
Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council said: “I am delighted that this event is being hosted by Gurteen Agricultural College in Tipperary, which is at the forefront of renewable energy production and energy efficient farm practices. The Council recognises that there is a growing national interest in increasing on-farm energy efficiency and renewable energy production, and the event provides a great opportunity for the farming community to gain knowledge in the most up-to-date energy technologies.”
Energy in Agriculture 2016 will take place at Gurteen Agricultural College on Tuesday, August 23rd from 11am. This large outdoor and indoor event includes practical demonstrations, classroom talks and demonstrations from exhibitors of energy efficient and renewable technologies for the agri-sector. All are welcome. See www.energyinagriculture.ie for further details.
