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Farm Innovation Visit to the Netherlands – ammonia reduction and mitigation

October 17, 2024

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) invites farmers to visit the Netherlands in early 2025 to explore ammonia reduction and solutions adopted by the agriculture sector.

An action within the recently published Environmental Improvement Plan is to develop an Ammonia Strategy to deliver reductions in ammonia emissions from agriculture.  This Farm Innovation Visit (FIV) offers an opportunity to learn about cutting edge research on ammonia reduction in the Netherlands.   

What you will experience

Visiting Wageningen University Farm, you will learn about ammonia reduction technologies. Farm visits will demonstrate how their research is being implemented. You will have the opportunity to hear from the farmers on the ground.

A visit to Lely headquarters in Maassluis is planned. View their robotic equipment manufacture and to hear about emission reduction inventions in the pipeline.

Farm Nescio, the first farm to have a milking robot installed in 1992 will be part of the programme. See how further retrofitted technology is advancing their sustainable enterprise.

How to apply

The trip will involve two-three nights away, travelling via Dublin to Amsterdam.  

Applications are invited from one member or employee of a farm business that has over three hectares of land. Applicants must be aged over 18 years on the application closing date and not in full-time education.  Fifteen places are available on this visit, these will be allocated with preference given to those who meet the criteria.  To increase the benefits arising from the study tour, all applicants must identify a group of farmers to share their findings with upon their return. 

The Farm Innovation Visit Scheme, which is part of the NI Rural Development Programme will cover the costs associated with the visit, accommodation, travel and meals.  Participants will be expected to meet any additional costs, including farm relief and travel insurance.

Farmers interested in participating can find out more details and complete an application form by clicking on the Apply now button.

Applications close at 4.00pm on Friday 1 November 2024.