Page 13 - Bord Bia | Dairy from Ireland
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64% 4th
Grasslands Fresh Clean Air
• Ireland covers 6.9 million hectares. • Ireland’s PM10 levels are the
64% is dedicated to agriculture. 4th lowest in Europe – PM10 is
particulate matter in the air that is
• 81% of agricultural land is devoted 10 micrometres or less in diameter.
to pasture, hay or silage.
• Ireland is one of the seven countries
• Increasing use of multi-species in Europe with PM 2.5 levels below
swards for greater biodiversity
and animal health. the limit set by the WHO.
• Its permanent pasture acts as
a carbon store.
2,400mm
Natural Water Resources
• A natural supply of water from the
Ireland’s Mild Climate rain and ground provides sufficient
water for agricultural purposes,
• Influence of the Atlantic Ocean therefore there is no need to irrigate
prevents extremes of temperature so
animals can graze outdoors for large the land.
parts of the year. • Ireland gets an average of 1750-
2400mm of rainfall per year
• Hills and mountains, many of which ensuring optimum grass growth
are near the coasts, provide shelter
from strong winds and from the from February to November that
direct oceanic influence. will meet dairy herd requirements.