The economic importance of the dairy sector at the farm and the processing level on the Island of Ireland is well established, as are the ambitious targets to expand milk production. One of the major issues that may challenge this ambition is that of climate change.

safefood has recently funded research to identify key climate change vulnerabilities in the dairy production chain on the island of Ireland, with a particular emphasis on food safety issues, and to establish the level of awareness of key dairy industry stakeholders of these vulnerabilities and the potential mitigation strategies.

This workshop will present the main findings of this research project, including the results of a series of dairy industry stakeholder interviews which assessed their knowledge, attitudes and strategies surrounding climate change. The workshop will also be addressed by the eminent Professor Alan Matthews who is one of Europe’s leading experts on agricultural policy and a member of Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This seminar will be of interest to a range of stakeholders, including:-

• Farm organisations and dairy processors
• Professionals with a food safety remit
• Agricultural and environmental policy makers
• Environmental non-government organisations
• Members of the academic/research community

HOW TO REGISTER

There is no fee for this event. However, due to limited capacity, registration is mandatory and closes on February 23rd. You can reserve your ticket here on eventbrite.

PROGRAMME

13:00 Registration, Light lunch & networking

13.30 Introduction to Workshop J. McIntosh, safefood (Chair)

13:45 Climate Change: Ireland’s Challenge A. Matthews (TCD)

14:15 The Dairy Supply Chain T. Donnellan (Teagasc)

15:00 Climate Concerns for Dairy T. Hennessy (UCC)

15:15 Dairy, Climate and Food Safety K. Campbell (QUB)

15:30 Panel Discussion

16:00 Workshop Concludes

HOW TO GET THERE

By Car: Free parking is available on site. Take the Castleknock Exit on the M50.

By Train/Taxi: The Conference Centre is just 10 minutes by Taxi from Heuston Station and 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre.

Google Map Link to Seminar location