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Dairy farm to achieve net-zero emissions by 2027 – Ministers Harris and Heydon

Project will extend to 5,000 farms over five years

21st June 2021 - Simon Harris TD

Minister for Science Simon Harris has awarded the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Future Innovator Prize to a project that will help a dairy farm achieve net-zero emissions by 2027.

The prize also awards €2 million to the winner, Professor Kevin O’Connor and his Farm Zero C team at University College Dublin (UCD). This money is to help deliver the climate-neutral farm in Cork. There are plans to extend the strategy to a further 5,000 farms within five years.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said:

“Congratulations to Professor Kevin O’Connor and the Farm Zero C team. Innovative and disruptive ideas like the Farm Zero C project will become increasingly important as we deliver the government’s ambitious Climate Action Plan and significantly reduce our carbon emissions.

“My department’s support for projects like this one, that have real world impacts, really gives me not only pride, but confidence, as we strive to reduce our carbon emissions by 50% over the next decade.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for Agri-Food Research and Development, the Bioeconomy, Farm Safety and New Market Development, Martin Heydon added:

“Congratulations to the Carbery Group and the Farm Zero C team for developing this pioneering and holistic approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the health and resilience of a working farm. This is the Irish bioeconomy in action safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods whilst protecting our climate and environment.”

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