Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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245. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals being considered from the VistaMilk research programme to reduce Ireland’s emissions of greenhouse gases while maximising dairy output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26849/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As a unique collaboration between Science Foundation Ireland and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, VistaMilk has become an established focal point for precision, pasture-based dairying research and innovation in Ireland and is centred on 4 principle areas; pasture management and production, animal nutrition, health and breeding, dairy foods and agri-digitalisation. 

Although climate and environmental sustainability are intrinsic to all aspects of the centres scientific research, key elements of the dairy production system have been targeted for their potential to deliver increased productivity and efficiency while simultaneously reducing the emissions profile of the sector.

To date, significant impacts have been achieved through, for example, research targeting reduced methane emissions, improved grass utilisation and enhanced soil carbon sequestration. As the VistaMilk centre moves into its next phase, there is likely to be an increased focus on nitrogen fertiliser use, slurry management, manure deposition during grazing, and associated nitrous oxide, nitrate, and ammonia emissions.

The VistaMilk centre has established itself as a critical tool in addressing the needs of the dairy sector and providing coherent direction for the scientific community in this area. It will be fundamental to facilitate the development and deployment of new knowledge, new technologies and new decision support tools to maximise the productivity and sustainability of milk production in Ireland.