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The aim of New Genomic Techniques (NGTS) is to produce climate resilient crops

Consultation on genetically-altered crop proposal

A public consultation on an EU proposal to allow for the regulation and sale of plants that are genetically changed using new techniques has been opened.

Ireland • 04 Sep 23

The National Fertiliser Database requires all farmers to register if they wish to buy fertiliser

90,000 farmers register with new fertiliser database

A new national database to track fertiliser sales, improve regulation and contribute to national targets to reduce fertiliser use has gone live with 90,000 farmers already registered.

Agribusiness • 01 Sep 23

The festival has been scheduled for 16-18 August in 2024

Farmers concerned that EP 2024 clashes with harvest

Farmers have criticised a decision by Electric Picnic to hold next year's festival in mid-August, as it will coincide with peak harvesting season.

Leinster • 01 Sep 23

The EPA was urged to restore its advice on meat eating on its social media channels

Climate group says EPA 'caved' to agriculture sector

The EPA caved to pressure from the agricultural sector to dumb down its messaging on food waste and meat consumption after it deleted a tweet suggesting people reduce their red meat intake, according to the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition.

Ireland • 29 Aug 23

A tweet from the Environmental Protection Agency urged consumers to cut down their red meat intake

EPA deletes 'eat less meat' tweet following IFA protest

A tweet advocating consumers cut back on red meat consumption has been deleted by the Environmental Protection Agency following objections from the Irish Farmers' Association.

Agriculture • 29 Aug 23

Cutting dogs' ears is an 'unnecessary, cruel practice that has no place in Ireland', Minister McConalogue said

Jail and fines for 'mutilation' of cropping dogs ears

The Government has introduced measures to further crack down on the practice of cropping or clipping dogs' ears, which has has been illegal for a decade.

Agriculture • 25 Aug 23

Cindy McCain met Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue today

Ireland, WFP 'working closely' to reverse hunger crisis

Senior members of the World Food Programme - headed by its Executive Director Cindy McCain - have held meetings in Dublin with NGOs and politicians, including Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue.

Ireland • 24 Aug 23

Multispecies swards produce more fodder for livestock

Multispecies pastures produce more fodder, study shows

New research on using plants other than grass in pastures show major environmental benefits and cost savings for farmers.

Ireland • 23 Aug 23

The US, Singapore and China have already approved lab-grown proteins for the consumer market (Stock image)

Lab-grown meats are 'only a matter of time' - FSAI

It is only a matter of time before the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) receives applications for lab-grown meat to be developed for Irish consumers, the authority said.

Ireland • 10 Aug 23

A corncrake was spotted on Oileáin Árann for the first time in 25 years (file image)

Rise in population, breeding territories of corncrake

A survey by the NPWS has found a 35% increase in the population of critically endangered corncrake birds in Ireland over the past five years, although the overall numbers remain very small.

Ireland • 10 Aug 23

Ash dieback disease is a fungal infection that is killing ash trees across Europe (Stock image)

Calls for grants to farmers liable for damaged trees

There have been calls for financial supports for landowners and farmers who face thousands of euro in bills to remove dying roadside ash trees from their land.

Ireland • 07 Aug 23

The apprenticeships will offer pathways in agriculture

Three new farming apprenticeships to begin in September

People wishing to gain farming qualifications through the apprenticeships system will soon be able to do so as three such apprenticeships begin this September.

Ireland • 07 Aug 23

The Government aims to get forest cover in the country up to 18% from the existing 11% by planting 8,000 hectares of new forest every year (Stock image)

EU approves €1.3bn forestry programme for Ireland

The European Commission has approved Ireland's new €1.3 billion forestry programme after months of consideration and negotiations with the Government.

Ireland • 03 Aug 23

Ella Casey knew immediately she was in trouble and sought help from a friend who was working upstairs in the shed

Teenager overcome by slurry fumes urges farm safety

A young farmer who was hospitalised after being overcome by fumes from agitated slurry two years ago is urging farmers to be more vigilant.

Ireland • 16 Jul 23

Niamh Lenehan, with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, was appointed chief executive of the new regulator in May

New agri-food regulator will 'promote fairness'

The bill to establish the office of the new agri-food regulator - An Rialálaí Agraibhia - has been signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.

Agriculture • 12 Jul 23

The text passed has removed all mention of rewetting, and other measures targetted at the agri sector (file image)

Farming organisations wary as EU passes new nature law

For months now the proposals for the Nature Restoration Law have provoked heated debate and exchanges between farming organisations and environmental and other NGOs.

Ireland • 14 Jul 23

61 hours: The journey endured by thousands of Irish bull calves

For months, RTÉ Investigates has been looking into Ireland's dairy boom. The investigation has uncovered animal welfare issues at marts and breaches of regulations on the transport of animals in mainland Europe.

investigations unit • 09 Jul 23

The consultation asks members to give their views on options for a voluntary reduction scheme

Consultation on reduction scheme for the dairy herd

The Department of Agriculture has commenced a consultation on a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd.

Agriculture • 23 Jun 23

A file image of peat bog surrounding Lough Fee, Co Galway

Drained peatland emissions overestimated - Teagasc

A new study by scientists at agricultural research and advisory body Teagasc claims Environmental Protection Agency estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands are hugely overstated, due to an overestimation of the amount of drained peat grassland in the country.

Teagasc • 23 Jun 23

Dairy farmers may have to be paid up to €600 million to cull cows, according to an internal Department of Agriculture paper (Stock image)

Decision due on scheme to cut dairy herd - McConalogue

A decision on a possible scheme to reduce the national dairy herd will be made "over the next few months", Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has said.

Ireland • 31 May 23

The new body will examine commercial relationships between food producers, processors and retailers

Agri-Food Regulator step closer as bill passes in Dáil

The bill to establish an Agri-Food Regulator to be known as An Rialálaí Agraibhia that will examine commercial relationships between food producers, processors and retailers has been passed in the Dáil.

Ireland • 24 May 23

Charlie McConalogue (R) welcomed Niamh Lenehan's (L) appointment

Niamh Lenehan appointed CEO of new agri-food regulator

Niamh Lenehan has been appointed CEO designate of An Rialálaí Agrabhia, a new State regulatory body that will examine commercial relationships between food producers, processors and retailers.

Agriculture • 22 May 23

Andrea feeding one of the lambs, social farming gives participants the opportunity for inclusion by taking part in day-to-day farm activities

Appeal for more farmers to sign up for 'social farming'

More farmers are needed to keep up with the growing demand for "social farming" in Ireland.

Ireland • 11 May 23

The regulator will have powers to levy fines of up to €10m on buyers who engage in unfair trading practices with farmers (file image)

Bill to establish new agri-food regulator debated

The bill that will establish a new agri-food regulator to monitor and police interactions between farmers and food producers, retailers and processors was debated in the Dáil this evening.

Agriculture • 10 May 23

Respondents were asked their views on the impact of deer on a range of issues

86% of respondents to consultation support deer cull

A public consultation on the future management of the population of deer in Ireland has found widespread support for culling.

Ireland • 08 May 23