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 productivity and animal health and welfare.