Over 400 suppliers attend Tirlán's 'Farming for the Future' event
The event aimed to showcase the collaborative work underway to enhance and support environmental and economic sustainability on farms. It brought together farmers, agri-experts, and industry sustainability leaders for a day of hands-on demonstrations, expert-led talks and discussions on the family farm of Seamus Brennan, in Co Laois.
Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy chats with brothers Tom andf Bill O'Brien from Danesford Co Kilkenny, at Tirlán's flagship 'Farming for the Future' open farm walk and talk on Seamus Brennan's farm at Attanagh, Co Laois. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke
Speaking at the event, John Murphy, the Tirlám chair, said: 'The numbers here today demonstrate our commitment to sustainability in the fullest sense – both economic and environmental sustainability. And we know this is so important as we are in the countdown to the decision regarding the renewal of the nitrates derogation in December."
Also at the event was Ireland MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú who said: 'Recent EPA reports show a substantial decline in nitrogen concentrations in selected rivers over the last 12 months when compared to 2023. Nitrogen concentration levels in 2024 were comparable to 2016 levels.
"Farmers are adopting measures at the farm level that deliver continued improvements to water quality. We are on the right track, and everyone should welcome that. Improved water quality is the key to securing Ireland's Nitrates Derogation beyond 2025."
'The River Slaney Project is an example of what can be achieved when farmers, advisors, local authorities, and industry partners come together with a shared purpose. The progress we've made in just one year shows the power of collaboration in driving meaningful, science-based action to protect our water and biodiversity for future generations,' said Dr Lisa Koep, chief ESG officer at Tirlán.
Conor Mulvihill, director of Dairy Industry Ireland, said Ireland has six months to put the best case forward to retain the nitrates derogation. He said the co-ordinated effort between all bodies has been encouraging to see.
Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy chats with host farmer Seamus Brennan at Tirlán's flagship 'Farming for the Future' open farm walk and talk on the Brennan farm at Attanagh, Co Laois. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke
'Every single one of us is on the same path. Water quality and the improvement of water quality underpin the future of our family-based, grass-based dairy industry.'
Host Seamus Brennan and his family are farming in derogation and have always tried to go the extra mile to keep things ticking over, particularly when it comes to slurry and fertiliser applications.
'I'm hoping to invest in an underground tank soon to make more use of the slurry. We're probably not getting as much out of it as we could – we're probably spreading it that bit early. I'll also look into solar. I've also put in an EIP application for other works,' Mr Brennan told the crowds.
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