February 15, 2021 2:03 pm
Pollinators are in decline, with one-third of our 98 wild bee species threatened with extinction from the island of Ireland.
According to the report ‘Working together for biodiversity: Tales from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020’, the problem is “serious and requires immediate attention to ensure the sustainability of our food, avoid additional economic impact on the agricultural sector and protect the health of the environment”.
The recently-published reflective report looks at the role farmers have in increasing biodiversity and ensuring pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Farmland
The report notes that with around 65% of Ireland’s landscape being agricultural land, the long-term success of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan “hinges on making farms more biodiversity-friendly”.
Under the European Innovation Partnership scheme, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has awarded funding of up to £840,000 to seven Operational Groups.
The Groups bring together expertise from advisers, researchers and businesses to take forward project proposals which address a range of issues that farmers are currently facing.
These include options for reducing carbon emissions, improving water quality, improving animal health and welfare and reducing the use of pesticides.
Announcing the funding award Minister Lyons said, “It is very encouraging to see farmers, advisers, researchers and industry representatives coming together to develop innovative solutions to real issues on the key themes of environmental sustainability, improving productivity and animal health and welfare.
February 9, 2021
By Brian C. Clark
PROSSER, Wash. – A new agricultural innovation from Washington State University may solve an ancient predicament: how to protect crop plants from cold damage at bud break. As spring brings warmer weather, plants wake up from dormancy and begin the processes of growth and flowering. But one cold night can kill those buds before they have a chance to flower and fruit.
What’s needed are tiny baby blankets that shield those emerging buds from frost. And it’s precisely an insulating coating that researchers at Washington State University have developed and are in the process of commercializing.
Upper Ballinderry River. Image source: DAERA
Seven groups across Northern Ireland have been awarded £840,000 to work with farmers in developing practical solutions to address problems and opportunities for the agri-food industry.
The money has been made available under the European Innovation Partnership scheme, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
The groups bring together expertise from advisers, researchers and businesses to take forward project proposals which address a range of issues facing farmers.
These include options for reducing carbon emissions, improving water quality, improving animal health and welfare and reducing the use of pesticides.
Announcing the funding award, Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons said: “It is very encouraging to see farmers, advisers, researchers and industry representatives coming together to develop innovative solutions to real issues on the key themes of environmental sustainability, improving productiv