The ‘must attend 4’ guide for Energy and Farm Diversification Show
The annual Energy and Farm Diversification Show takes place at Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary tomorrow (Thursday 20th July). The event is the meeting place of government, industry and entrepreneurial farmers and landowners.
With over 100 speakers, 29 sessions across 3 agenda tracks and 5 demos it is a busy day.
Here we can exclusively bring you the easy breakdown to maximise your time attending depending on your objectives.
The event opens at 8.30am with the Ministerial opening address by Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at 9.10am. The following panel sets the scene for the day with Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc, Tim Cullinan, President, IFA, Mark Christal, Enterprise Ireland and Professor Aoife Foley, Chair of Net Zero, University of Manchester and EPA board member discussing the leading themes of the event in the areas of energy in agriculture and farm diversification.
Then the event breaks into 3 tracks of talks and a demo programme. Here is a handy timetable guide of 4 ‘must attend’ sessions depending on potential individual objectives-
Reducing your energy bill
10.30 - 10.55
Managing Energy Use and Costs
A discussion with information and tips on energy efficiency use on Irish farms which can save farmers money on their day-to-day tasks. The panel will discuss technology, schemes and best possible practice on all Irish farms.
Chair - Donal Mullane, Regional Manager, Teagasc
Kevin Carey, Atlantic Energy Consultants
Paul Mahon, CEO, Watt Footprint
11.45 - 12.30
PV Installation and Managing Energy On Farm Demo
A demo on roof-mounted and smaller scale ground-mounted solar installations. The focus will be on TAMS, funding, technology, grid connection and finance considerations. There will also be a discussion on on-farm storage options and tips on energy efficiency use on Irish farms which can save farmers money on their day-to-day tasks
Chair - Barry Caslin, Bioenergy specialist, Teagasc
Joe Healy, Chair, Cultivate CU
Mel Gavin, R&D Coordinator, Atlantic Technological University
Cillian O’Connor, Head of Solar PV, FitzGerald Electrical
Michael O’Donoghue, TAMS III, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Marty Murphy, Head of Tax, IFAC
Anthony Walsh, Manager, Special Projects, ESB Networks
1.50 - 2.25
Small Scale Solar
With supports like Solar Capital Investment Scheme through TAMS 3, a greater focus has been put on roof mounted and smaller scale ground mounted type installations. This discussion looks at the practical, legal, tax, funding, grants, policy, opportunities and grid revenue aspects of on-farm installations.
Chair - Paul O’Brien, Chair, IFA Environmental and Rural Affairs Committee
Michael O’Donoghue, TAMS III, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Pat Smith, MD, Local Power and Chair, MREF
Anthony Walsh, Manager, Special Projects, ESB Networks
3.10 - 3.35
Energy Storage: A how-to guide to maximise your return from renewable energy generation
This session is a discussion on the energy storage options around the farm. The panel will brief on the technical details, the requirements, battery options, the payback and all considerations for on-farm energy storage to maximise the energy produced on farm.
Chair - Conall Bolger, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA)
Mel Gavin, R&D Coordinator, Atlantic Technological University
Jonah Faulkner, Engineer, South East Energy Agency
Saving Money on farm inputs
10.30 - 10.55
Managing Energy Use and Costs
A discussion with information and tips on energy efficiency use on Irish farms which can save farmers money on their day-to-day tasks. The panel will discuss technology, schemes and best possible practice on all Irish farms.
Chair - Donal Mullane, Regional Manager, Teagasc
Kevin Carey, Atlantic Energy Consultants
Paul Mahon, CEO, Watt Footprint
11.50-12.25
Organic farm conversion
A practical panel discussion about on-farm conversions to organics: the reasons, the process, the lessons learnt, the successes and challenges. The panel will also focus on key new management learnings needed like animal health management. It's an opportunity to ask the hard questions to deal with future issues in a new environment.
Chair - Rachel Martin
Maria Phelan, Laois Organic Farmer
Ben Colchester, Drumeen Farm, Kilkenny
Kevin O’Hanlon, Farm Manager, Pollard’s Organic Dairy Farm, Wexford
2.10 - 2.40
Agroforestry - How can it benefit your farm?
Chair - Ray Ó Foghlú, Project Lead, Hometree
Maureen Kilgore, Project Coordinator, Irish Agroforestry Forum
William Considine, Wexford Farmer
Dr. Ian Short, Research Officer Forestry, Teagasc
2.45 - 3.30
Alternative and Maximising Farm Organic Fertiliser Demo
A practical example of composting and maximising on-farm organic fertiliser to reduce chemical fertiliser use on-farm. There is also a look at alternative fertiliser and soil health applications with the latest research examining potential on-farm circular economy compounds reducing the dependency on fossil-based fertiliser.
Chair - Kevin Fagan, National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS)
Gary Gillespie, University College Dublin (UCD)
Niamh Power, Munster Technological University.
John Geraghty, SETU Waterford
John Brennan, Leitrim Organic Farmers Coop
Looking at grant and funding options
11.00 - 11.45
Becoming organic
We present a highly engaging discussion with the leading experts looking at the process, the supports and the knowledge requirements of becoming organic.
Chair - Gillian Westbrook, CEO, Irish Organic Association
Jack Nolan, Head of the Organics Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine
Elaine Leavy, Organic Specialist, Teagasc
John Brennan, Chairman, National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS)
12.00 - 12.35
Is farm diversification for you: The questions you need to ask yourself
The big overview farm diversification and rural entrepreneurship discussion; the panel will look at the key questions, funding, supports and who you can approach for help.
Chair - Mary Ryan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Tipperary LEO
Jim Finn, Chairperson, Irish Local Development Network
Brendan Heneghan, Brendan Heneghan Coaching
Brendan Crosse, Sheep Milk Ireland and Nuffield Scholar
1.50 - 2.25
Small Scale Solar
With supports like Solar Capital Investment Scheme through TAMS 3, a greater focus has been put on roof mounted and smaller scale ground mounted type installations. This discussion looks at the practical, legal, tax, funding, grants, policy, opportunities and grid revenue aspects of on-farm installations.
Chair - Paul O’Brien, Chair, IFA Environmental and Rural Affairs Committee
Michael O’Donoghue, TAMS III, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Pat Smith, MD, Local Power and Chair, MREF
Anthony Walsh, Manager, Special Projects, ESB Networks
3.50 - 4.40
Small acres, high value yields
We look at unique small acre farms yielding high returns through high value produce. The panel includes snail producers, vertical farming, no dig horticulture, insects and high value crops.
Chair - Gavin Moroney
Peter Monaghan, Inis Escargot - Snails
Lyndsey Orton, Ross Hazel Farm - High value veg
Brian McCarthy, Cork Rooftop Farm - No Dig / Horticulture
Mimi Crawford, Crawfords Farm - Micro dairy
Lynda Bolger, Celtic Cricket Farm - Insects
Starting an agri-tourism business
10.30 - 11.00
How farmers can diversify into providing educational activities for schools, tourists and the general public
Chair - Gráinne McGrath, Training Officer, Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB)
Ailbhe Gerrard, Brookfield Farm
Rosie Mulligan, Airfield Estate
Helen Doherty, National Coordinator, Social Farming
11.05 - 11.45
Agri-tourism - the how-to guide
Session advising on getting started and developing on-farm agri-tourism. The discussion focuses on planning, design, branding, marketing and launching.
Chair - Dr. Daithi O' Murchú, HC and CEO, Das Pathways Ltd
Marie Ryan, Senior Executive Planner, Tipperary County Council
Niall Heenan, Owner, Fuchsia Lane Farm
Caroline Nesbitt, Managing Director, Designedly
Morgan Ging, Owner, Ballykeefe Distillery & Tours
11.45 - 11.55
Igniting the passion of rural entrepreneurs
Dr. Daithi O' Murchú, Extreme Athlete, Guinness Record Holder and Mindfulness Consultant
Dr. Daithi O' Murchú has a passion for rural sustainability, rural enterprise and what drives individuals to achieve. In his sporting life as an extreme-ultra-athlete, he has personally embraced challenges and overcome many obstacles. This presentation is about the journey to start, to change and to lead.
12.40 - 1.10
The must-haves for Farm Diversification
This session focuses on the planning, insurance and legal issues of farm diversification.
Chair - Lynda Bolger, Founder, Flag Lane Marketing
Marie Ryan, Senior Executive Planner. Tipperary County Council
Christy Doherty, Agri Business Manager, AXA Insurance Ireland
James Staines, Principal, Staines Law
Starting a food business
12.00 - 12.35
Is farm diversification for you: The questions you need to ask yourself
The big overview farm diversification and rural entrepreneurship discussion; the panel will look at the key questions, funding, supports and who you can approach for help.
Chair - Mary Ryan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Tipperary LEO
Jim Finn, Chairperson, Irish Local Development Network
Brendan Heneghan, Brendan Heneghan Coaching
Brendan Crosse, Sheep Milk Ireland and Nuffield Scholar
1.30 - 2.30
Farm produce diversification - Getting it right for success
What are the different elements of a farm diversification enterprise utilising and adding value to farm produce? This session takes a look at the market, legal requirements, route to market, branding, marketing and product production. The panel includes experts and practical case study examples.
Chair - Michelle Aylward, CEO, County Tipperary Chamber
Ciara McDonagh, Head of Food Industry Development, Teagasc
David Leydon, Head of Food and AgriBusiness, IFAC
Mary Ryan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Tipperary LEO
Margaret Edgill, Mount Briscoe Organic Farm
Mike Cantwell, Boulabán Farm
2.40 - 3.10
Is selling directly to market a viable option for you and your farm?
Chair - Ailbhe Gerrard, Brookfield Farm
Dr. Jennifer Attard, Efficient Food and agroBRIDGES Projects
Nick Cotter, Cotter Organic Lamb
Tomás Young, Owner, Nesty Ltd and Proserve Ltd
3.15 - 3.40
Case studies on food diversification
Our panellists case study presentations full of practical and first hand experience of food diversification.
Chair - Rachel Martin, Farming Editor, Irish Examiner
Shannon Porter, The Milk Bar, Donegal
Teresa Roche, Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese, Galway
Options to make your farm more viable
9.30 - 10.30
Energy & Farm Diversification - Driving Irish Farming Forward
The opening panel includes leaders from government, agriculture, energy and rural development. The discussion will focus on the leading themes of the event in the areas of energy in agriculture and farm diversification.
Chair - Ivan Yates, Broadcaster and Former Minister for Agriculture
Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc
Tim Cullinan, President, IFA
Mark Christal, Divisional Manager Food and Sustainability, Enterprise Ireland
Professor Aoife Foley, Chair of Net Zero, University of Manchester; Professor in Energy Systems Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast; Board member, EPA
10.45 - 11.30
On-farm Anaerobic Digester Demo
A conversation and open Q&A session with experts on Anaerobic Digesters at farm level. The demo will visit the on-farm AD unit, it will discuss smaller scale AD operations, the future of AD in Ireland and the best options for farmers and landowners in the long term.
Chair - Stephen Robb, Irish Farmers Journal
Noel Gavigan, Technical Executive, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA)
Tim Clarke, Consultant/Planner, Wasteworks Ireland
Dr. Maurice Deasy, Postdoctoral Researcher, Teagasc
Dr. Chris Mann, Chief Technology Officer, Bennamann
Michael Sweeney, AD Project Director
12.00 - 12.35
Is farm diversification for you: The questions you need to ask yourself
The big overview farm diversification and rural entrepreneurship discussion; the panel will look at the key questions, funding, supports and who you can approach for help.
Chair - Mary Ryan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Tipperary LEO
Jim Finn, Chairperson, Irish Local Development Network
Brendan Heneghan, Brendan Heneghan Coaching
Brendan Crosse, Sheep Milk Ireland and Nuffield Scholar
3.50 - 4.40
Small acres, high value yields
We look at unique small acre farms yielding high returns through high value produce. The panel includes snail producers, vertical farming, no dig horticulture, insects and high value crops.
Chair - Gavin Moroney, Agri Insider
Peter Monaghan, Inis Escargot - Snails
Lyndsey Orton, Ross Hazel Farm - High value veg
Brian McCarthy, Cork Rooftop Farm - No Dig / Horticulture
Mimi Crawford, Crawfords Farm - Micro dairy
Lynda Bolger, Celtic Cricket Farm - Insects
Looking at crop options
12.00 - 12.50
The roadmap to AD and Biomethane from Irish farms
As the momentum builds towards a more established Anaerobic Digester and Biomethane sector in Ireland, this discussion will examine the plans in place, the policy and the research. This will include the biomethane strategy group, Bennaman’s project and other industry interest players in Ireland.
Chair - Bill Callanan, Chief Inspector, Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Chair, Biomethane Strategy Group
Sean Finan, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA)
Dr. Maurice Deasy, Postdoctoral Researcher, Teagasc
Dr. Chris Mann, Chief Technology Officer, Bennaman
Pádraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme, Gas Networks Ireland
Stephen Robb
1.45 - 2.05
Cropping for energy
Chair - Clive Carter, Group Secretary, Irish Grain Growers
Dr. James J. Leahy, Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick
Chris Johnston, Project Leader in Environment & Renewable Energy, AFBINI
3.50 - 4.15
Carbon Farming: Can farmers earn revenue by sequestering carbon?
What is the outlook for sequestering carbon in terms of monetisation through carbon credits and its role in agriculture's path to climate neutrality?
Chair- Paul Smith, Executive Secretary, Dairy and Farm Business, ICMSA
Gary Lanigan, Environment, Soils and Land Use Research Department, Teagasc
Dr. Douglas McMillan, Project Manager, Farm Carbon
Bernard Harris, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
4.20 - 4.45
Is hemp a commercial alternative?
Chair - Kate Carmody, Vice-Chair, Hemp Co-op Ireland
Laura Jayne Foley, Project Manager, Hemp4Soil
Edward Hanbidge, Hemptech Ireland
Considering growing Willow
12.45 - 1.30
Energy Crops / Biomass Demo
A look at the on-farm biomass facilities will be accompanied by a frank discussion about biomass crops and forestry. The uses and trends of biomass will be discussed along with current research and future markets allowing for any questions in a more informal setting for honest feedback.
Chair - Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist, Teagasc
Noel Gavigan, Technical Executive, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA)
Dr JJ Leahy, BioWILL Project, University of Limerick
Chris Johnston, Project Leader, AFBINI
Colm Hatton, Manager South of Ireland, Balcas Energy
1.45 - 2.05
Cropping for energy
Chair - Clive Carter, Group Secretary, Irish Grain Growers
Dr. James J. Leahy, Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick
Chris Johnston, Project Leader in Environment & Renewable Energy, AFBINI
BioWILL Willow Workshop - Time TBC (Ask at exhibition stand)
3.40 - 4.10
The Role of Biomass in Our Net Zero Plans
Discussion addressing environmental considerations, technological advancements, policy frameworks, opportunities, challenges and discuss case studies
Chair - Noel Gavigan, Technical Executive, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA)
Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist, Teagasc
Colm Hatton, Business Development Manager ROI, Balcas Energy
Ray Langton, Program Manager, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
Interested in Regenerative Agriculture
11.50-12.25
Organic farm conversion
A practical panel discussion about on-farm conversions to organics: the reasons, the process, the lessons learnt, the successes and challenges. The panel will also focus on key new management learnings needed like animal health management. It's an opportunity to ask the hard questions to deal with future issues in a new environment.
Chair - Rachel Martin, Irish Examiner
Maria Phelan, Laois Organic Farmer
Ben Colchester, Drumeen Farm, Kilkenny
Kevin O’Hanlon, Farm Manager, Pollard’s Organic Dairy Farm, Wexford
2.10 - 2.40
Agroforestry - How can it benefit your farm?
Chair - Ray Ó Foghlú, Project Lead, Hometree
Maureen Kilgore, Project Coordinator, Irish Agroforestry Forum
William Considine, Wexford Farmer
Dr. Ian Short, Research Officer Forestry, Teagasc
2.45 - 3.30
Alternative and Maximising Farm Organic Fertiliser Demo
A practical example of composting and maximising on-farm organic fertiliser to reduce chemical fertiliser use on-farm. There is also a look at alternative fertiliser and soil health applications with the latest research examining potential on-farm circular economy compounds reducing the dependency on fossil-based fertiliser.
Chair - Kevin Fagan, National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS)
Gary Gillespie, University College Dublin (UCD)
Niamh Power, Munster Technological University
John Geraghty, SETU Waterford
John Brennan, Leitrim Organic Farmers Coop
3.50 - 4.10
Carbon Farming: Can farmers earn revenue by sequestering carbon?
What is the outlook for sequestering carbon in terms of monetisation through carbon credits and its role in agriculture's path to climate neutrality?
Chair- Paul Smith, Executive Secretary, Dairy and Farm Business, ICMSA
Gary Lanigan, Environment, Soils and Land Use Research Department, Teagasc
Dr. Douglas McMillan, Project Manager, Farm Carbon
Bernard Harris, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Interested in Organics
11.00 - 11.45
Becoming organic
We present a highly engaging discussion with the leading experts looking at the process, the supports and the knowledge requirements of becoming organic.
Chair - Gillian Westbrook, CEO, Irish Organic Association
Jack Nolan, Head of the Organics Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine
Elaine Leavy, Organic Specialist, Teagasc
John Brennan, Chairman, National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS)
11.50-12.25
Organic farm conversion
A practical panel discussion about on-farm conversions to organics: the reasons, the process, the lessons learnt, the successes and challenges. The panel will also focus on key new management learnings needed like animal health management. It's an opportunity to ask the hard questions to deal with future issues in a new environment.
Chair - Rachel Martin
Maria Phelan, Laois Organic Farmer
Ben Colchester, Drumeen Farm, Kilkenny
Kevin O’Hanlon, Farm Manager, Pollard’s Organic Dairy Farm, Wexford
12.30 - 1.15
Supply and demand in the market for organics
What is the future growth potential in various markets for an expanding Irish organic sector? The chicken or egg for organics will look at supply and demand for organic Irish produce. It will feature a wider look on global demand, access to markets and the Irish strategy for growth in the sector
Chair - Ivan Yates, Broadcaster and Former Minister for Agriculture
Minister Pippa Hackett, Minister of State, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Emmet Doyle, Organic Sector Manager, Bord Bia
Stephen Connolly, CEO, Organic Trust
1.30 - 2.30
Farm produce diversification - Getting it right for success
What are the different elements of a farm diversification enterprise utilising and adding value to farm produce? This session takes a look at the market, legal requirements, route to market, branding, marketing and product production. The panel includes experts and practical case study examples.
Chair - Michelle Aylward, CEO, County Tipperary Chamber
Ciara McDonagh, Head of Food Industry Development, Teagasc
David Leydon, Head of Food and AgriBusiness, IFAC
Mary Ryan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Tipperary LEO
Margaret Edgill, Mount Briscoe Organic Farm
Mike Cantwell, Boulabán Farm
Interested in Anaerobic Digesters
10.45 - 11.30
On-farm Anaerobic Digester Demo
A conversation and open Q&A session with experts on Anaerobic Digesters at farm level. The demo will visit the on-farm AD unit, it will discuss smaller scale AD operations, the future of AD in Ireland and the best options for farmers and landowners in the long term.
Chair - Stephen Robb
Noel Gavigan, Technical Executive, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA)
Tim Clarke, Consultant/Planner, Wasteworks Ireland
Dr. Maurice Deasy, Postdoctoral Researcher, Teagasc
Dr. Chris Mann, Chief Technology Officer, Bennamann
Michael Sweeney, AD Project Director
12.00 - 12.50
The roadmap to AD and Biomethane from Irish farms
As the momentum builds towards a more established Anaerobic Digester and Biomethane sector in Ireland, this discussion will examine the plans in place, the policy and the research. This will include the biomethane strategy group, Bennaman’s project and other industry interest players in Ireland.
Chair - Bill Callanan, Chief Inspector, Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Chair, Biomethane Strategy Group
Sean Finan, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA)
Dr. Maurice Deasy, Postdoctoral Researcher, Teagasc
Dr. Chris Mann, Chief Technology Officer, Bennaman
Pádraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme, Gas Networks Ireland
Stephen Robb, Renewables Editor, Irish Farmers Journal
12.55 - 1.20
AD and Biomethane in action: Practical insights into biogas production
Chair - Stephen Robb
Tim Clarke, Consultant/Planner, Wasteworks Ireland
Billy Costello, Owner, Green Generation
Michael Sweeney, AD Project Director
2.45 - 3.45
The Big Debate - the drive for 25
Our big industry discussion around agriculture’s plan in meeting the 2030 emissions reduction target of 25%: We look at the science that can help achieve this, the roadmaps and plans, the communication and knowledge transfer strategies and what the lead up to 2030 will look like at farm level.
Chair - Ivan Yates, Broadcaster and Former Minister for Agriculture
Minister Pippa Hackett, Minister of State, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Professor Gary Lanigan, Environment, Soils and Land Use Research Department, Teagasc
Thomas Duffy, Vice-president, European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA)
Paul O’Brien, Environmental Chair, IFA
Interested in Solar
11.45 - 12.30
PV Installation and Managing Energy On Farm Demo
A demo on roof-mounted and smaller scale ground-mounted solar installations. The focus will be on TAMS, funding, technology, grid connection and finance considerations. There will also be a discussion on on-farm storage options and tips on energy efficiency use on Irish farms which can save farmers money on their day-to-day tasks
Chair - Barry Caslin, Bioenergy specialist, Teagasc
Joe Healy, Chair, Cultivate CU
Mel Gavin, R&D Coordinator, Atlantic Technological University
Cillian O’Connor, Head of Solar PV, FitzGerald Electrical
Michael O’Donoghue, TAMS III, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Marty Murphy, Head of Tax, IFAC
Anthony Walsh, Manager, Special Projects, ESB Networks
1.50 - 2.25
Small Scale Solar
With supports like Solar Capital Investment Scheme through TAMS 3, a greater focus has been put on roof mounted and smaller scale ground mounted type installations. This discussion looks at the practical, legal, tax, funding, grants, policy, opportunities and grid revenue aspects of on-farm installations.
Chair - Paul O’Brien, Chair, IFA Environmental and Rural Affairs Committee
Michael O’Donoghue, TAMS III, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Pat Smith, MD, Local Power and Chair, MREF
Anthony Walsh, Manager, Special Projects, ESB Networks
2.30 - 3.05
Large Scale Solar
A panel discussion to look at the challenges, opportunities, regulation, latest policy, technical details, consenting process, revenue and newest ideas.
Chair - Eddie Punch, General Secretary, ICSA
Cliona Gormley, Business Development Manager Ireland, NEOEN
Marty Murphy, Head of Tax, IFAC
Oisín O’Connell, Rosspile Solar Farm
3.10 - 3.35
Energy Storage: A how-to guide to maximise your return from renewable energy generation
This session is a discussion on the energy storage options around the farm. The panel will brief on the technical details, the requirements, battery options, the payback and all considerations for on-farm energy storage to maximise the energy produced on farm.
Chair - Conall Bolger, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA)
Mel Gavin, R&D Coordinator, Atlantic Technological University
Jonah Faulkner, Engineer, South East Energy Agency