Teagasc to host National Water Quality Conference

It is being organised as part of the Better Farming for Water – 8 Actions for Change campaign and will be of interest to policymakers, scientists, advisors, and farmers.

This conference will explore innovative solutions to enhance water quality in agricultural landscapes. It aims to respond to the growing need for sustainable water management practices within Irish agriculture. It will focus on three key themes:

1. Water quality policy and regulatory challenges for Agriculture in Ireland

Ireland faces increasing regulatory focus from both EU and national bodies to improve water quality, with agriculture identified as a key pressure. Conference speakers will address:

• Delivering water quality improvements – National and EU policy drivers
• Water Quality in Ireland – Pressures, trends and targeting measures
• Update on Ireland’s 6th Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and the Nitrates Derogation renewal

 

2. Catchment Science in Practice

Highlighting Teagasc’s pioneering work in catchment science, this session will explore how scientific research is being used to assess and improve water quality outcomes. Presentations will include:

• New Zealand approach to improve water quality in an agricultural catchment landscape
• Insights from Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) long-term monitoring.

 

3. Supporting Farmers to Improve Water Quality through Research and Advisory Services

Teagasc’s advisory and research teams will showcase the tools, knowledge transfer methods, and supports available to help farmers take practical, cost-effective steps toward improving water quality. Highlights will include:

• Targeted advisory support through the Better Farming for Water Campaign
• Working with farmers to improve water quality through ASSAP (Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme) and the Farming for Water EIP (European Innovation Partnership) and farmer engagement strategies.
• Update on slurry and soiled water requirements for livestock in Ireland and its potential to improve nutrient use efficiency.
• Modelling the impact of NAP (Nitrates Action Programme) measures (2017 to 2025) on the potential to improve water quality

Speaking in advance of the Teagasc Water Conference, Professor Pat Dillon, Director of Research at Teagasc said; “improving water quality in Ireland demands a collaborative, multi-actor approach involving advisory bodies, researchers, industry stakeholders, regulators, and local communities. This conference serves as a platform to unite these key actors, fostering discussion and providing direction to address the challenges and identify practical solutions for reducing agriculture’s impact on water quality”.

“This conference provides a critical platform to align scientific knowledge, regulatory frameworks, and practical farming approaches to protect and improve water quality,” said Tim Hyde, Environment Specialist at Teagasc. “Our focus is on solutions that are evidence-based, achievable, and farmer-led. Farmers want to know what the quality of the water in the stream, or river that flows through their farm and community. Farmers take pride in protecting the natural environment.”

Noel Meehan, Head of Water Quality Knowledge Transfer Department in Teagasc, said; “The ‘Better Farming for Water’ campaign is supporting farmers to adopt measures to improve all water bodies, where agriculture is a significant pressure, to Good or High Ecological Status. I see significant buy-in from farmers, industry and the other stakeholders in the Agri sector, combined with a determination to succeed in delivering improved water quality”.

View the full conference programme and register to attend here