Thomas Lyons Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have announced the launch of Catchment Science 2023, a conference on water quality that will take place later this year. The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP), a research project into the agricultural impact on water catchment areas, will host the conference. The programme, funded by the department and run by Teagasc, has been in operation since 2008. The event will be held from November 7-9, 2023, at the Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford town. Attendees will include scientists, regulators, and practitioners involved in water quality and gaseous emissions in agricultural river catchments. The conference will feature scientific presentations, panel discussions with farmer and stakeholder contributions, and field visits, according to Teagasc.
The conference will cover a range of themes, including soil fertility, nutrient and carbon management, gaseous emissions and carbon sequestration, land to water contaminant loss, long-term, in-situ monitoring and catchment modelling of water quality and greenhouse gases (GHGs), climate-induced changes, running a ‘living lab’ in agricultural settings, impacts of hydro morphology and contaminant stressors, approaches for mitigation strategies, attitudes, perceptions and impacts of policy change, knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement, governance and policy implementation.
Commenting on the conference, Per-Erik Mellander, the senior catchment researcher for Teagasc, said: “I am very excited to take part in the organisation of this conference for the fourth time. It is very inspiring to bring scientists, regulators, and practitioners together in this unique event.” Ted Massey, the senior inspector at the department’s Nitrates and Biodiversity Division, said: “The department is delighted to be able to support Teagasc in hosting what will be very relevant and timely conference.”
The announcement of the event today is part of Agricultural Catchments Week 2023, which runs from May 5 to 12. The ACP is running a dedicated week of activities showcasing its research and advisory programme. These activities include a mix of in-person events, podcasts, and an in-person public open day on Friday (May 12) at the water monitoring outlet in the Timoleague catchment located in Co. Cork.
The ACP has been conducting research and providing advice on the impact of agriculture on water quality for over a decade. The programme has established a network of 55 small agricultural catchments throughout the country, which have been monitored to determine the impact of agricultural practices on water quality. The programme also provides advice to farmers on how to improve water quality by changing their farming practices.
The conference will offer an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the latest research and developments in the field of water quality and agriculture. The event will provide a platform for scientists, regulators, and practitioners to share their experiences and knowledge. The conference will also provide an opportunity for farmers to learn about the latest research and advice on how to improve water quality.
The ACP has been successful in improving water quality in agricultural catchments. The programme has shown that simple changes in farming practices can have a significant impact on water quality. The programme has also shown that farmers are willing to change their practices if they are provided with the information and support they need. The conference will provide an opportunity to build on this success and to discuss new approaches to improving water quality in agricultural catchments.
The conference will be an important event for anyone involved in the agricultural sector. The event will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest research and developments in the field of water quality and agriculture. The conference will also provide an opportunity to network with other stakeholders and to share experiences and knowledge. The event will be of particular interest to farmers who are looking to improve their farming practices and to regulators who are responsible for ensuring water quality standards are met.
In conclusion, Catchment Science 2023 is an important event for anyone involved in the agricultural sector. The conference will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest research and developments in the field of water quality and agriculture. The event will also provide an opportunity to network with other stakeholders and to share experiences and knowledge. The conference will be of particular interest to farmers who are looking to improve their farming practices and to regulators who are responsible for ensuring water quality standards are met.
