{"id":1323843,"date":"2024-06-04T15:50:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-04T14:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agriland.ie\/?p=1323843"},"modified":"2024-06-04T15:10:54","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T14:10:54","slug":"research-project-to-revolutionise-farmers-climate-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsail.agriland.ie\/farming-news\/research-project-to-revolutionise-farmers-climate-efforts\/","title":{"rendered":"Research project to ‘revolutionise’ farmers’ climate efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A research project which is a collaboration between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Sligo County Council is set to ‘revolutionise’ efforts by farmers to reduce emissions from agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers have outlined that agriculture, which is a cornerstone of Irish culture and economy, is a significant contributor to national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 38.4% of emissions in 2022 according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the urgent need to address climate change, weather variability, and soil degradation, farmers are being called upon to embrace sustainable practices to meet Ireland’s ambitious climate targets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to these challenges, ATU and Sligo County Council have joined forces to launch a project funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) by providing horticulture and tillage farmers with innovative tools and solutions to mitigate GHG emissions and enhance sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Led by Dr. Salem Gharbia, head of the Department of Environmental Science at ATU, and Dr. Iulia Anton, a co-lead and postdoctoral researcher in environmental science at ATU, the team aims to revolutionise agricultural practices through the two-tier approach.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The physical component comprises a network of local sensors to measure emissions from various farming activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The digital component integrates the real-time data into a modelling framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Salem Gharbia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This framework enables the simulation of different farming practices and ‘what if’ scenarios, allowing farmers to optimise productivity while minimising resource consumption and carbon emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Gharbia explained the project’s objectives: “Through this project, we are developing a framework and digital platform that will enable policymakers, farmers, and local government bodies to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to address climate change impacts, for the tillage\/horticulture sector.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Anton highlighted the urgency of tackling climate change in agriculture and the project’s potential to benefit horticulture and tillage farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Climate change poses significant challenges to Irish farms, and our project seeks to empower farmers with a digital platform to assess their carbon footprint and implement smart farming practices,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Iulia Anton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“The digital model can also simulate different farming practices and see how they would impact the farm’s carbon footprint and productivity.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climate Action Officer at Sligo County Council, Pete Murtagh explained the collaborative nature of the project and its engagement with local farmers: “We are excited to partner with ATU on this innovative initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“By involving farmers in the co-design and implementation of solutions, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility in addressing climate challenges within the agricultural sector.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

“By empowering farmers with data-driven insights and innovative solutions, the project aims to foster a more sustainable and resilient future for Ireland’s agricultural sector.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any tillage or horticulture farmers interested in the project can get involved by contacting the team of researchers at ATU.<\/p>\n\n\n