Experts to discuss future of Ireland's uplands
The Uplands Symposium 2026 will convene leading specialists to examine the role of Ireland’s uplands in ecosystem service delivery. The event, set for 19 November in Killarney, will feature insights on sustainable farming, innovation, and local environmental projects.
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Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Uplands Symposium 2026 will be held on Thursday, 19 November at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, County Kerry, gathering experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the future of Ireland's upland regions. This annual event, jointly organised by Teagasc and CAFRE (The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Northern Ireland), will highlight the uplands' potential to provide vital ecosystem services to society.
Keynote speakers include Professor Frank O'Mara, Director of Teagasc, and Paul McHenry, Director of CAFRE, who will present ongoing work in the uplands. Phil Stocker MBE, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association in the UK, will share valuable lessons on sustainable hill and upland farming from Dartmoor. The symposium's second session focuses on scientific advances and innovations such as carbon measurement through the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) and pioneering precision livestock management including virtual fencing, alongside updates from CAFRE’s Glenwherry Hill Farm.
The afternoon sessions will spotlight local initiatives in County Kerry, including the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Project, strategies for integrating trees into upland landscapes, and ACRES CP measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity, water quality, and carbon sequestration. The event will conclude with discussions on challenges and opportunities for upland farming post-CAP 2027, featuring a panel of farmers and experts such as Joe and Eileen Condon from County Tipperary, Dr Eileen McCloskey from CAFRE, John Muldowney from DAFM, and upland farmers Daniel Buckley and Patrick O'Mahony from Kerry. Full programme details and registration are available on the official website.
Keynote speakers include Professor Frank O'Mara, Director of Teagasc, and Paul McHenry, Director of CAFRE, who will present ongoing work in the uplands. Phil Stocker MBE, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association in the UK, will share valuable lessons on sustainable hill and upland farming from Dartmoor. The symposium's second session focuses on scientific advances and innovations such as carbon measurement through the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) and pioneering precision livestock management including virtual fencing, alongside updates from CAFRE’s Glenwherry Hill Farm.
The afternoon sessions will spotlight local initiatives in County Kerry, including the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Project, strategies for integrating trees into upland landscapes, and ACRES CP measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity, water quality, and carbon sequestration. The event will conclude with discussions on challenges and opportunities for upland farming post-CAP 2027, featuring a panel of farmers and experts such as Joe and Eileen Condon from County Tipperary, Dr Eileen McCloskey from CAFRE, John Muldowney from DAFM, and upland farmers Daniel Buckley and Patrick O'Mahony from Kerry. Full programme details and registration are available on the official website.
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