Climate Adaptation Conference to take place at Moorepark
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The Climate Adaptation Conference, taking place on October 15, aims to identify the key climate adaptations that Irish grassland systems must implement and address in the years ahead and highlight the knowledge gaps that may exist, which require an additional research focus.
Taking place at Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, it will examine key areas, such as grass and clover breeding, grassland modelling, weather and grass production trends, as well as the latest research findings, which will form part of the conference.
Commenting ahead of the conference, which is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara said: “The Irish grassland livestock production system now has a lot more climate challenges; in 2024, we experienced a wet and cold spring, combined with intermittent dry periods throughout the summer, both having impacts on grass growth and utilisation, and more recently wet weather in parts of the country. This conference aims to address these challenges and prepare our solutions for the years ahead.”
He added: “It is great to have some leading scientists addressing this topic. Dr Alan Stewart, Head Grass Breeder and Scientist with PGG Wrightsons Seeds, New Zealand, and Mr Luc Delaby, Grassland Scientist with INRAe, France, are two keynote speakers participating in the conference at Moorepark.”
Teagasc's head of grassland science Professor Micheal O’Donovan added: “The conference is a good mix of very high-calibre international and national speakers giving their perspectives on climate adaptation for grass-based systems. In the afternoon, delegates will get a chance to view and discuss some of the climate adaptation research themes which are in place at Teagasc Moorepark research farm.”
Irish grassland systems are experiencing some clear climatic challenges. The incidence of high-level precipitation events, soil moisture deficits, and prolonged winter conditions, as well as dry summer periods, are becoming increasingly frequent, resulting in challenging conditions for Irish farmers.
Dr Deirdre Hennessy, Sustainable Grassland Lecturer at University College Cork, who will also contribute to the conference, commented: “Grassland is the cornerstone of Irish livestock production systems, which are globally efficient food production systems. These systems must adapt to climate change to promote economic and environmental sustainability and resilience of our systems into the future, and research can support that adaptation.”
