Farming for Water is a big hit at the National Ploughing Championships 2024

The Farming for Water Project was a big hit at the National Ploughing Championships 2024 with huge engagement enjoyed over the course of the three days.

Nine members of staff were on hand over the course of the Ploughing Championships to explain the project in full and to illustrate how farmers can get involved in the Farming for Water EIP which has €50million available up to the end of 2027 to pay farmers to introduce measures to help protect and restore water quality in Priority Areas for Action (PAA’s). The aim is to engage with up to 15,000 farmers under the project.

The presence of a ‘Poor Farm Practice and Good farm Practice’ model clearly outlined the reality on many farms, but also the goal of the project. This model was a vital tool in explaining to farmers the kind of simple paid-for measures which can be funded under the scheme and which can help to make a big difference in preventing sediment and nutrient loss to the watercourses. The model was a great hit with younger folks too and it was clear from their questions and their suggestions that they are very tuned-in to the importance of good water quality in our country.

Our project stand had visits from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD who launched the project back in March; and also from the Northern Ireland Stormont Agriculture Minister, Andrew Muir. Both expressed their delight at seeing the work progressing and were trilled to see the level of engagement enjoyed with the general public at the NPC.

Stormont Assembly Agriculture Minister  Andrew Muir visiting

the Farming for Water stand where Joan Martin explained the concept.

Joan Martin speaking to Agriculture Minister

Charlie McConalogue at the Ploughing

Our Project lead Mairead Whitty featured on the Agriland livestream discussion panel where water quality was the order of the day. Check o0ut the Agriland website to see the interview – www.agriland.ie

See also:https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/massey-confident-of-better-water-quality-data-in-normal-weather/