New Zealand and Ireland Extend $34.5m Climate Research Partnership for Agriculture

This took place during a recent visit by Ireland's Minister of State for Agriculture, Noel Grealish, who says this reaffirms the fact that the two countries have an awful lot in common - especially in relation to agriculture.

The deal signed by Grealish and NZ's agriculture minister Todd McClay involves extending and enhancing the present successful joint venture, which saw $34.5 million set aside to tackle agricultural greenhouse gas emissions without reducing production.

McClay says the new partnership arrangement will see scientists from both nations continue to develop vital research to support the development of tools to give farmers options to deal with GHG emissions. As part of the deal, MPI and the Irish Ministry of Agriculture will identify further projects to progress.

While in NZ, Noel Grealish visited several of the 11 projects underway and says they have helped accelerate understanding of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

"Agriculture is at the heart of the Irish and New Zealand economies, and we share the common goal of lowering emissions in pasture-based farming, while supporting farmers to produce more," he says.

Grealish says while in NZ, he and a senior Irish science official, Dr Karl Walsh, who was travelling with him, visited a number of farms, research institutes and Massey and Lincoln Universities. Dr Walsh also had talks with DairyNZ.

"When I go overseas, I keep getting asked 'what are you doing about climate change?' People point to the severe weather events they are now experiencing and blame this on climate change and want to see food producing countries reducing their greenhouse gas emissions," he says.

Noel Grealish says both countries have great science programmes and great scientists.

Special Day

Noel Grealish, from Galway in the west of Ireland, wanted to be in NZ for St Patrick's Day. Each year, Ireland sends its politicians to all parts of the world to help celebrate this special day with Irish people in individual countries.

"I think I got the jewel in the crown by being sent to NZ. Our two nations have so much in the common and the Irish diaspora is strong in NZ with one in every six people claiming Irish heritage. We have strong sporting links as well with Irishman Dave Gallagher being the first All Black captain," he says.