Piroska Kocsis
Project Title: Life Cycle Assessment of Irish horticultural systems
Biography: Piro is researching how Irish horticultural systems can become more sustainable by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to measure their environmental impact. Her work is part of the AgNav initiative, a national digital platform developed by Teagasc, Bord Bia, and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation. AgNav provides farmers with verified data and decision-support tools to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve farm efficiency.
This research is important because agriculture is responsible for nearly 38% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the government has set ambitious targets: a 25% reduction in agricultural emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By focusing on horticulture, Piro’s work contributes to the bigger picture of tackling climate change, protecting food security, and ensuring that Irish farming remains economically viable while meeting sustainability goals. Her assessments help farmers see the environmental footprint of their practices and identify practical changes—such as adjusting fertiliser use or crop management—that can lower harmful emissions without compromising productivity.
Piro’s work connects everyday farming decisions to global climate action. By helping horticultural producers reduce emissions, she is contributing to Ireland’s journey toward a climate-neutral agriculture sector and ensuring that farming remains part of the solution to climate change.
Teagasc email: piroska.kocsis@teagasc.ie
University email: piroska.kocsis@ucdconnect.ie
Teagasc Research Programme: Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme
Research Location: Teagasc Ashtown
Name of your University: University College Dublin
Teagasc Supervisor: Dr Lael Walsh
University Supervisor: Dr Tamíris Da Costa
Funder: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)