The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Lobbying Organisation The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Date published 19 Sep, 2021

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Environment

Period 1 May, 2021 to 31 Aug, 2021

Specific Details Smart Farming Challenge

Intended results To highlight that improving soil fertility was the most significant cost-saving measure identified in the Smart Farming programme in 2020. To highlight that farmers taking the Smart Farming challenge in 2020 identified potential savings of €1,624 or €25/ha by implementing measures to improve soil fertility To highlight that better soil fertility can support increased production, improve farm incomes and enhance environmental performance on farms. Smart Farming has updated its soil fertility guidance to give farmers the most up-to-date information and advice on soil management measures, including • Testing soils regularly to establish what nutrients are present and how much extra nutrients may be needed. • Correcting soil pH through liming to increase the availability and efficiency of applied nutrients. • Creating a nutrient management plan for their farm. • Using low emission slurry spreading (LESS) to reduce ammonia losses. • Using protected urea to reduce ammonia & nitrous oxide losses. To highlight that the Smart Farming Challenge aims to protect, restore and promote the sustainable management of land. Improving soil fertility also benefits water quality, air quality, biodiversity and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Paul O'Brien IFA National Environment & Rural Affairs Chair

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (1)

Social Media (1)

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Martin Browne TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Jackie Cahill TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Matt Carthy TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Collins TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Fitzmaurice TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Joe Flaherty TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Paul Kehoe TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Brian Leddin TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Ring TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Victor Boyhan Senator (Seanad)

Lynn Boylan Senator (Seanad)

Paul Daly Senator (Seanad)

Tim Lombard Senator (Seanad)

Denis O'Donovan Senator (Seanad)

Barry Andrews MEP (European Parliament)

Billy Kelleher MEP (European Parliament)

Chris MacManus MEP (European Parliament)

Ciarán Cuffe MEP (European Parliament)

Clare Daly MEP (European Parliament)

Colm Markey MEP (European Parliament)

Deirdre Clune MEP (European Parliament)

Frances Fitzgerald MEP (European Parliament)

Grace O'Sullivan MEP (European Parliament)

Luke "Ming" Flanagan MEP (European Parliament)

Maria Walsh MEP (European Parliament)

Mick Wallace MEP (European Parliament)

Seán Kelly MEP (European Parliament)