National chair of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA), Michael McDonnell has called on Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to begin a dedicated commitment to long-term research into farming in Ireland’s uplands and protected areas.

According to INHFA, this research is necessary to recognise the vital role these landscapes and the families who farm them play in protecting the Irish environment.

McDonnell said: "Our uplands are not wastelands; they are living, working landscapes shaped over generations by farmers who understand their land better than any textbook ever could.

“What we need now is research that reflects the reality on the ground and supports the good work already being done by hill and extensive farmers.”

INHFA highlighted the need for Teagasc to focus specifically on upland systems; including:

The environmental benefits of the out-wintering of cattle, which can reduce pressure on lowland housing, lower slurry storage demands, and help maintain open habitats in the hills;
The correct grazing of sheep, ensuring balanced stocking rates that help maintain habitats such as heather, species-rich grasslands, and peatlands;
Supporting upland farmers to identify and manage positive flora on their farms, empowering them to recognise the value of what they already have and to enhance biodiversity in a practical, farmer-led way.

McDonnell stated that too often, upland farmers as spoken about as being part of the problem, where in reality upland farmers are a huge part of the solution.

"With the right research and advice, our upland farmers can continue to deliver for nature, climate, water quality and their rural communities," McDonnell continued.

He concluded by saying that Teagasc has "an opportunity to lead here" by investing in dedicated upland research that helps build farming systems that are "economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially sustainable".

"This will not just benefits hill farmers, but the wider public who rely on healthy landscapes, clean water, and thriving biodiversity," he said.

"INHFA stands ready to work with Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that upland research is grounded in practical experience and delivers obtainable benefits for farmers and the environment."