Mr. Ronan Boyle:

I will explain to the members the two products we are here to speak about today.

Methane and ammonia present the greatest challenge for emissions reductions on farms, with 99% of national ammonia emissions coming from agriculture. The burden of reduction rests solely with agriculture. Some 48% of all ammonia comes from housing and manure storage. Our EASYFIX slat rubber product is a cushioned rubber covering that is applied to the top of a concrete slat in animal housing. A recent Teagasc trial confirmed a 13% increase in performance will equate to a 19% reduction in methane. The most recent trial by Teagasc on the benefits of slat mats showed a 17% increase in animal performance, which would equate to a 24% reduction in methane. One other significant benefit is that animals are much more comfortable on rubber and lameness and joint swelling is massively reduced. In one farm trial, the use of rubber slats reduced antibiotic use from 11% of the herd to 0.5%, with lameness levels down from 8% to 0.5% - a very significant reduction.

Members also may be aware of articles inEuropean Supermarket Magazineand farming publications that have called into question our animal welfare standards in winter housing. For more than ten years we have been working with Wageningen University and Research on how rubber slat mats reduce ammonia emissions. Slat mats reduce ammonia emissions by rapidly draining urine from the surface of the slat into the tanks below, preventing urine and faeces from mixing and thereby reducing urease activity that causes ammonia to be released. The research from Wageningen University and Research shows a very significant reduction of ammonia emissions of between 34% and 49%. We believe that between now and 2030 a planned and phased emissions reduction fund will achieve a 60% adoption rate by farmers, and this will play a significant part in Ireland achieving its target reductions between now and 2030.

I will play a short video to demonstrate the product.