‘The science of Ammonia’ – DAERA launches three online seminars

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has announced three online seminars with leading experts, to outline the science behind ammonia and help inform future policy.

The lunchtime seminars will take place during the week beginning 21 September and are open to the public. Speakers include leading experts on ammonia from across the UK from organisations such as the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and Rothamsted Research.  The seminars will take place on:

• 12pm to 1pm, Monday 21 September
• 12pm to 1pm, Wednesday 23 September
• 12pm to 1 30pm, Friday 25 September

Topics addressed in these webinars include;

• The ecological impact of ammonia emissions on habitats
• The inclusion of Northern Ireland specific data in the ammonia inventory
• The potential for ammonia reduction in Northern Ireland and how this can be achieved most cost-effectively
• Case studies on ammonia reduction at individual farm level
• Ammonia monitoring at region, farm and habitat level in Northern Ireland

A DAERA spokesman said: “Ammonia is not a unique challenge to Northern Ireland or even the UK – countries across the world are working to find solutions to what is a complex issue with no quick fix. However, there is a lot we can do together in Northern Ireland, to reduce our emissions whilst at the same time, help our agriculture sector to become more efficient and sustainable in the longer term.

“So far, there has been excellent work across all sectors to move to more efficient and sustainable technologies and an understanding of the need to capture that good work and build on it further and at pace.

“DAERA is committed to working with stakeholders to develop solutions which are ambitious, proportionate and practical. While progress has made in areas such as the uptake of low emission slurry spreading, it is important that the right mix of measures is delivered. This will ensure that sufficiently ambitious levels of emission reduction are achieved to relieve pressure on habitats and improve public health, while supporting ‘Green Growth’ and the sustainable development of a thriving agriculture sector.”

Delivering on this challenge requires a high quality evidence base. That is why DAERA has commissioned a major research programme on ammonia, led by the Agri Food Biosciences Institute, in collaboration with Rothamsted Research and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. The emerging conclusions from this research programme will be presented at these webinars this month and will inform the proposals within DAERA’s draft ammonia strategy. This strategy will be consulted upon later this year.

Notes to editors: 

1. Further detail on how to register for these webinars can be found below;

-Monday 21 September, 12pm to 1pm: Background to the Research Programme; the Ammonia Inventory and Ecological Impacts. To register for this event, please follow this link, and then click on the register button.

-Wednesday 23 September, 12pm to 1pm: Farm Case Studies and the Economics of Reducing Ammonia Emissions. To register for this event, please follow this link, and then click on the register button

-Friday 25 September, 12pm to 1 30pm: Measurement of Ammonia and Modelling Reduction Scenarios. To register for this event, please follow this link, and then click on the register button.

 If you require further information, please contact ammonia@daera-ni.gov.uk

2. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook: https://twitter.com/daera_ni and https://www.facebook.com/daerani.gov.uk

3. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office at: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk

4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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