Certified Irish Angus has announced details of an upcoming ‘Farming for Water’ event which aims to encourage farmers to avail of funding and supports to improve water quality.

The event will take place on June 25 at 6:30pm on the farm of Ruairi Lynch in Mullagh, Co. Cavan (Eircode: A82 NV00).

Taking place in conjunction with partners ABP Food Group , Kepak, Teagasc and the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), the pioneering event will showcase measures through which farmers can secure funding to help improve water quality on their lands.

Speaking about the event, Certified Irish Angus general manager, Charles Smith said: “This new EIP (European Innovation Partnership) funding is highly-beneficial and we encourage our members to avail of this fantastic resource in order to enhance biodiversity and water quality in their local communities.

"In doing so, we believe that we can safeguard healthy ecosystems for our bright, young farmers who will continue our legacy for future generations.”

The Farming for Water EIP project is providing funding of €60 million to farmers to help improve water quality.

The funding aims to "enhance natural environments and biodiversity while also supporting climate change mitigation efforts," according to the event organisers.

"A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency highlighted that 51% of waterbodies are at risk of not meeting their environmental objective in the Boyne catchment area, while a further 18% are under review," the organisers said.

Certified Irish Angus is holding its field event on the Lynch family’s farm due to their location along the banks of the Borora river on the Cavan and Meath border.

Teagasc and the LAWPRO have highlighted this catchment as a key area of focus as its current moderate status demonstrates that the river is experiencing slight levels of pollution.

Along with a farm walk, attendees will hear from a variety of water quality speakers on the evening from Certified Irish Angus, processor partners ABP and Kepak, and representatives from Teagasc and the LAWPRO. There will also be a BBQ and refreshments available for attendees. 

Interested attendees must RSVP by Friday, June 20, to Mark McCoy, Certified Irish Angus agricultural programmes co-ordinator.