An all‑island conference on Agriculture and Land Use: Pathways to a Sustainable Future 2026, commenced in Portlaoise, County Laois this morning Tuesday, 26 May. This is the first of a biennial conference series to provide the research community across Ireland with a platform to share their research, to hear the latest developments and build collaborations.
The conference is sponsored by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and is organised by Teagasc, AFBI and universities across the island of Ireland.
Speaking through a video at the conference, Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said; “Ireland has set ambitious climate targets, and agriculture and land use will have a central role in achieving them while continuing to produce high-quality, sustainable food, fibre, energy and other outputs.”
Also speaking by video, Andrew Muir, Minister for Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland said; “It is important to bring expertise across Ireland together to focus on key challenges that we all share. Research and innovation will continue to be central to building a resilient and sustainable food system.”
Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’ Mara, speaking at the official opening of the conference, said; “This conference is a vital opportunity to align research priorities with advisory pathways and policy levers so that evidence leads to impact. Teagasc is committed to working to accelerate adoption of credible, farmer friendly solutions that deliver both productivity and environmental benefits.”
Head of the Teagasc Climate Research centre, Professor Karl Richards said; “The 250 presentations showcase the latest cutting‑edge science, including behavioural insights, to identify practical, evidence‑based pathways to enhance the sustainability and resilience of agriculture and land use.”
Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of AFBI’s Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division said; “AFBI warmly welcomes this all-island forum, which strengthens scientific partnerships by bringing researchers, advisors, industry and policymakers together to co-develop practical solutions that support resilient food systems, thriving rural communities and improved environmental stewardship across both jurisdictions.”
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