The Farming for Water EIP Initiative: A Collaborative Solution

The Farming for Water EIP Initiative: A Collaborative Solution

Agriculture needs a constant supply of fresh clean water for animals, crops, for dairy and other food processing.  Much of our tourist industry and the natural amenities also depend on clean waters. Therefore, as custodians of the environment it is intrinsic that our dairy farmer milk suppliers play a leading role in protecting the quality of the water in our
catchment area.

Recognising this, Kerry Agribusiness was first to implement the new Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP), worth €60m nationally. This is a collaborative programme, addressing issues related to water, through innovative approaches while simultaneously benefiting climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection. The Pilot of this initiative focussed on implementing tailored solutions for 50 dairy farmers in the Castleisland catchment area. Since then it has been rolled out in a number of other catchment areas with a focus on protecting water resources while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Water Quality Challenges in Agriculture

Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, essential for agricultural productivity, can enter watercourses through runoff from fertilisers if not properly managed, fuelling harmful algal blooms and degrading aquatic habitats.

Farmers, while often seen as contributors to this issue, are in fact critical stakeholders in the solution. Many already recognise the need to adopt sustainable practices, but financial and technical barriers have hindered widespread adoption. The Farming for Water EIP addresses these challenges head-on, providing farmers with resources and guidance to protect local waterways while continuing their essential work.

Watch RTE’s Ear to the Ground video below to see how this initiative is making a positive impact.

Sustainable Farming Measures in Action

The initiative employs a range of innovative measures to address water quality issues:

• Willow Beds: These natural filtration systems slow water runoff, allowing sediment to settle and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen to be absorbed by the fast-growing willows. On farms such as William Dennehy’s, willow beds are a cost-effective and efficient solution to prevent nutrient loss.
• Buffer Zones and Earthen Mounds: Planted hedgerows and earthen barriers act as natural filters, capturing sediments and nutrients before they reach watercourses. These measures align with sustainable land use practices.
• Slurry Management: Farmers are delaying slurry spreading in Critical Source Areas to avoid nutrient runoff, minimising its risk to water quality.

These measures not only protect water quality but also enhance farm productivity by improving soil health and reducing nutrient waste.

Farmer Engagement and Positive Impact

Participation in the Farming for Water EIP has been remarkably high, with 90% of farmers in the targeted area engaged. Peer encouragement and community support have been key to this success. Farmers report that these sustainable practices integrate seamlessly into their operations, often enhancing their overall efficiency.

“…the approach is different, and you’re more or less brought along to do these rather than pushed, which is probably a big help. Farmers are already required to carry out specific measures to protect water but this scheme contains a list of 43 additional measures — almost all of which are fully funded when implemented by farmers.”

– Neilus Horan, Farmer participating in Farming For Water EIP Programme

The initiative also serves as a model for scalability. Lessons learned in Castleisland are now guiding other efforts within our catchment area and across the country helping to address water quality challenges on a broader scale.

Scientific Monitoring and Expected Results

The Farming for Water EIP incorporates scientific monitoring through tools such as auto-samplers, providing continuous data on nutrient levels, while kick samples measure the health of aquatic ecosystems by analysing invertebrate populations. Diatom monitoring offers early insights into changes in water phosphorus levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of the programme’s effectiveness.

“…Once all the measures get implemented on these farms, we hope to be able to see the improvement within 12 months. We’re fine tuning this now and getting it right, and as soon as we get cast line right, we’ll be able to … use the learnings and move on to other catchments where where water quality is under pressure as well. This catchment-wide approach to improving water quality is among the first of its kind in Ireland.”

– Terry O’Mahony, Sustainability Advisor at Kerry Agribusiness

While results take time, the entire project marks a significant step forward in protecting Ireland’s water resources.

Conclusion

The Farming for Water EIP initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling complex environmental challenges. By reducing nutrient runoff and protecting water quality, Kerry Agribusiness and its partners are not only improving local ecosystems but also setting a precedent for sustainable agriculture in Ireland.

Learn more about Kerry Dairy Ireland’s sustainability initiatives or contact us with questions or partnership inquiries.