Noteworthy

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GIVE WHEY: Are Irish dairy exports hurting African farming communities?

International

Milk powder made from whey, a byproduct of the dairy industry, is flooding African markets and taking the place of locally produced milk.

25 Backers raised €693 of €3355

Open

AGAINST THE GRAIN: How reliant are Irish livestock farms on imported feed?

Ireland

Despite our pasture-based grass fed livestock system, Ireland still faces a problem feeding its farmed animals. Millions of tonnes of feed is imported every year for cattle, while the demand from poultry and pig farms - with large indoor shed units - is on the rise.

22 Backers raised €795 of €1740

Open

UP MANURE CREEK: Why is traditional slurry spreading happening when it’s bad for human health?

Ireland

Slurry is one of the most popular fertilisers on farms as the manure and water mix offers a cheap boost of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to boost grass and crop growth.

19 Backers raised €580 of €2310

Open

DEBT OF DAIRY: Is State agri-expansion policy driving up debt in the dairy sector?

Ireland

On the face of it, the dairy sector is doing well; it has seen a resurgence in production and profit since the end of the milk quota in 2015.

5 Backers raised €225 of €2320

Open

SOAKED UP: Are lax rules on water abstraction affecting our local water supplies?

Ireland

Water is taken from our rivers, lakes and groundwater in large volumes by the private sector, including water bottling companies and agri-food companies, and recreational businesses such as golf clubs.

25 Backers raised €780 of €2640

Completed

CASH COW: Are subsidies encouraging unsustainable farming practices?

Ireland

The farm has a big role to play in the fight against climate change, yet experts argue that it is difficult to shift to a nature-friendly model while subsidies favour intensive production.

48 Backers raised €1150 of €1150