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Project Code [2018-CCRP-MS.50]

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Project title

Multifactorial causes of fodder crises in Ireland and risks due to climate change

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Paul Leahy

Project Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to develop a detailed understanding of the multiple interlinked drivers of previous fodder crises affecting the Irish agricultural sector, and to make projections of the future frequency and severity of such crises based on climate simulations and grass production models. This project addresses a research question never before attempted in Ireland. This will involve the development of a database of fodder crises and analysis of the available documentation on each event including material from a wide variety of sources. These include newspaper reports, meteorological and other scientific reports, D�il records and archives. This information will allow for the multi-factorial drivers of individual crises to be identified. Direct meteorological drivers (e.g. heavy rainfall over prolonged periods) or proxy indicators thereof (e.g. soil moisture content) will be isolated and used as inputs to appropriate mechanistic or agroeconomic models of grass production in temperate climates. These models will then be used in conjunction with meteorological data extracted from regional climate model simulations carried out under future global climate scenarios, consistent with the warming targets agreed at the UNFCCC 2015 Paris COP21 meeting.

Grant Approved

�108,548.70

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/02/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/01/2022