The monetary effects of adjusting farm management techniques and stocking rates to maximise climate and biodiversity ecosystem services in The Comeragh Mountain Uplands

The uplands in Ireland largely consist of areas of High Nature Value (HNV), which are of high conservation priority. For decades these upland regions have been farmed in a traditional way with extensive farming systems. They are generally associated with poorer land types and often perceived as uneconomic expanses of land. However, these areas are not only important from an agricultural production perspective, but also provide a unique identity and character for the greater public as a natural resource asset. This study focused on the Comeragh Mountain upland region situated in Co. Waterford. Like all other upland areas across Ireland and Europe, the Comeragh Mountains are steeped in tradition and history. In recent times, these upland areas of HNV have come under threat, due to changes in farming practices such as land abandonment and intensive farming practices. The conservation of these areas is crucial as they support many ecologically important habitats and also provide an array of ecosystem services. This study sought to investigate farming practices in the Comeragh uplands, provide evidence of the effect on income when changes are needed to achieve improvements or maintenance of the upland habitats and to ensure beneficial methods of knowledge transfer are being employed in upland regions. A mixed methodology approach was adopted, which firstly involved interviewing Teagasc advisors from all across different upland regions in Ireland. This was followed up by interviewing active farmers in the Comergah Mountains. Findings from this study, have showed that upland farming practices have changed in recent decades and these changes have likely altered the ecological condition of upland areas. Further findings showed that upland farmers remain extremely reliant on payments from the European Union. Farmers showed willingness to participate in agri-environmental schemes to combat the issues they face; however, it was evident that increased monetary support is required to facilitate this. Further findings from the farmer interviews identified the important role that Teagasc and their advisors have in upland areas. The study recommends that Teagasc should develop a blueprint for individual upland sheep farming systems, that they should provide targeted education to upland farmers and that there is need to invest in advisor training to further strengthen their ability to provide relevant and necessary support to upland farmers. The study concludes that farmers have a central role in the management and protection of upland areas and that appropriate management of these areas cannot be achieved without their input. However, ensuring the economic and social sustainability of farm systems is essential to unlocking and maximizing their potential to effect positive environmental change in upland landscapes.