EASYFIX has published an information booklet to provide tips to farmers to deal with the challenge of climate change.
The booklet, entitled What Does Climate Change Mean for Farmers? aims to educate and inform farmers about climate change and explain what GHG emissions are, their causes, and most importantly, solutions available to reduce GHGs on-farm.
Methane emissions comprise the majority (65%) of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Teagasc’s MACC report identified a range of measures to address GHG emissions.
However, only 10% of that mitigation directly reduced absolute methane emissions, and methane is principally stabilised through greater efficiencies. Currently, there are few measures to directly reduce methane.
EASYFIX
EASYFIX has focussed on technologies that will help cut farm emissions from animal housing and slurry storage.
Slurry storage and animal housing are two of the biggest causes of ammonia emissions from Irish farms accounting for 48%.
Trial data has shown that EASYFIX Slat Rubber has reduced ammonia emissions by 31% from animal housing. (RAV -BWL 2017.06.V2)
EASYFIX Slurry Technology reduces ammonia emissions by 51% in slurry storage. (Wageningen University WUR850)
According to the company, the combined effect of these two technologies is to deliver overall emission reductions of 24%. “These are tried and tested and independently verified technology solutions,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Climate change
Michael Earls, managing director of EASYFIX, stated at the launch: “Climate change is undeniably the biggest challenge facing agriculture.”
“Farmers are concerned about what will be the impact of climate change measures. We want to allay their concerns by outlining proven technology-based solutions.”
“The debate in Ireland has become very polarised and has been too narrowly focussed on herd reduction.”
“There has been little or no debate on the role of technology in meeting our emissions reduction targets.”
“We are delighted that Minister McConalogue has honoured us with his presence at this launch. We have had a very constructive engagement with the minister on this matter in recent months.”
Further reading
You can download the booklet via the EASYFIX website.
