Ms Triona McCormack:

Professor Evans will answer these questions. Part of the example I gave - which I did not go into detail on - looked at precision agriculture and tillage. Part of the solution is looking at soil management and disease management strategies.

Part of the soil management strategy is relates to not disturbing soil and determining the value and intensification that is possible. I mentioned that we are also looking to increase yield while decreasing the environmental impact. That concerns these soil management strategies as well as data technologies, which give better information on weather conditions and what needs to be done when. As such, instead of preventative strategies, a farmer only responds exactly when they need to, so impacts are minimised.

While I am not familiar with the group, much of what we are looking at involves going back slightly, but also taking advantage of new technologies. We are concerned with marrying the two approaches to make a more sustainable intensified production system. Professor Evans has mentioned that we have our own farm in Newcastle, Co. Dublin, - Lyons farm - where we trial new technologies. Some of the field management strategies that are being trialled have been mentioned by the Chairman.