The tillage farming sector has the lowest carbon footprint and a new programme has been launched in order to further examine regenerative agriculture techniques within the sector. This in turn will relate to further improvements in tillage farming and will add to the sector’s sustainability credentials. The Diageo Regenerative Agriculture Pilot program has been welcomed by tillage farmers with the Irish Farmers’ Association describing it as a positive development.
The programme will additionally play a vital role in improving knowledge of soil health, biodiversity and the potential carbon sequestration on selected tillage farms. According to chairperson of the IFA Grain Committee, Kieran McEvoy, they look forward to discussing the measures and results with Diageo in due course.
He adds that cooperation between tillage farmers and key end user such as Diageo, is vital in addressing sustainability challenges ahead, and pilots such as this one would enhance Irish malting, milling and roasting barley supply chain.
The key outcomes of the programme will include the following:
- Improvements in soil health and its carbon sequestration potential;
- Enhanced biodiversity;
- Reduction in synthetic fertiliser use;
- Enhanced water quality;
- Improved farmer livelihoods.
While more than 130,000t of Irish barley used in the production of Guiness on an annual basis, Diageo has since selected Ireland as the location of the three-year barley project.
LSL News.