On Monday 16th October, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced the official opening of Phase 2 of the Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme.
The programme, aimed at putting soil health, soil fertility and soil carbon at the centre of Ireland's future agricultural model, was welcomed by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, as well as Minister of State Pippa Hackett.
Pilot Programme Very Popular
The initial pilot programme for this initiative saw over 90,000 soil samples analysed, with 7,500 farmers participating. The figures indicate that there was large demand for the pilot, with DAFM reporting applications from 15,800 farmers.
Places on the initial programme were offered on a first come, first served basis.
Antimicrobial Resistance
The aim of Phase 2 of the programme will be to facilitate surveillance of antimicrobial resistance on both the national and regional levels. Surveillance will be carried out by screening for the presence of the E. coli bacteria. According to the Department, this study will help to enhance understanding of the role played by soil in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Future AMR mitigation and containment strategies will be informed by the results of the study.
Applications
The closing date for applications for Phase 2 is the 30th of October, 2023. A full list of eligibility criteria, as well as application details, can be found on the Government website.
Farmers are advised to familiarise themselves with all criteria before applying.
