AN online webinar discussing climate change was hosted by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association yesterday.

Topics included agroforestry, biodiversity, carbon calculation, grassland and pasture management, soil and mineral management, and management adaptations for climate change mitigation, such as alternative energy sources.

A particularly frightening and all too real picture of the next three decades was painted by Professor John Sweeney, whose presentation showed the actual global impact of climate change.

Following an introduction by ITBA CEO Shane O’Dwyer, MC Cathal Beale from the Irish National Stud introduced keynote speaker Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture and responsible for Land Use and Biodiversity.

Senator Hackett’s speech was pre-recorded, as fittingly she was in the Seanad at the time of the webinar, speaking on the Climate Bill.

“As a breeder myself, I want to acknowledge how seriously you are taking the issue of climate action,” she said. “This Government has committed to reducing our climate emissions by 51% by 2030. Actions that support biodiversity will support climate action and I congratulate the ITBA for taking this initiative.”

Hackett observed the unique opportunity stud farms have to deliver on climate action and biodiversity, and water and air quality. “You are aware of the dangers of complacency, and that you need to be able to measure success in terms of emissions and biodiversity. One interesting example is the simplicity of allowing some of your land to grow wild.

Incentives

“My colleague Senator Pauline O’Reilly recently introduced a Bill which will see non-domestic solar panels no longer requiring planning permission, and the upcoming launch of the micro-generation Support Scheme by Minister Eamon Ryan will provide incentives for farmers to become producers of renewable electricity for which they will be entitled to receive a fair price for excess electricity exported into the national grid.”

She concluded: “I think there is much scope for trials and pilot studies on stud farms. Earlier this year, I announced funding for on-farm biodiversity initiatives. I hope to announce a similar scheme next year and I’d love to see stud farms involved. I think the Irish National Stud has a significant role to play, as a state body under the aegis of my Department.”

Her speech was followed by Professor John Sweeney, former President of the Irish Meteorological Society, the Geographical Society of Ireland and An Taisce. Agroforestry was then explained by Professor Jim McAdam, former head of the Grassland and Plant Science in AFBI, and how planting of trees provides a viable aid to pasture management.

With 30 years’ experience in soil management and crop and livestock integrated systems, John Geraghty spoke about conservation agriculture and sustainable agri-environmental practices.

David O’Connell, managing director of OCAE Consultants Ltd and IAS Laboratories Ltd then delivered the final presentation, focused on basic pasture management and the crucial need for soil analysis and protection.

Concluding the webinar, Cathal Beale hosted a Q&A session with the panel, based on questions emailed by breeders.

ITBA chief executive Shane O’Dwyer commented: “The ITBA is taking a leading role on climate action and biosecurity. This is a high priority and we have great plans. It is very important we educate breeders on the many facets of climate change and this webinar was a first step in that process.”