We’re really excited at the recent launch of a new short docufilm at the ESEE21 conference hosted by Teagasc: Corca Dhuibhne 2030: building sustainability on the ground. The Dingle Peninsula has become an important focus for innovative projects involving diverse AKIS (Agriculture Knowledge Innovation System) actors. At the 25th meeting of the European Seminar on Extension and Education (ESEE) Conference (2021), this new docufilm was launched showcasing Corca Dhuibhne’s ambitious vision for 2030, and a profile of rural innovation projects that are achieving that vision on the ground. These projects illustrate how inclusive innovation approaches, anchored in integrated research, education and extension, can make impactful contributions to rural sustainability. Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Authority, is the Irish partner in three major projects working with local people in West Kerry to test and launch new innovations that provide sustainability solutions to farmers nationwide and across the EU. The film, a fantastic piece of work, was produced by Dingle filmmaker John Kennedy.
The focus of this film is Sustainable Agriculture projects which include:
– The establishment of Dingle Peninsula 2030/Corca Dhuibhne 2030, an ambitious and exciting multi-partner initiative based on the Dingle Peninsula, established in 2018 by Dingle Creativity and Innovation Hub, ESB Networks, NEWKD and MaREI the SFI Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine. The initiative is focused on creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future on the Dingle Peninsula. The goal is to transition our beautiful peninsula into a low-carbon society. This is important for the health of our planet, and to plan for future environmental changes and regulations
– The EU SKIN Project (Short Supply Chain Knowledge and Innovation Network) with Teagasc and the IFA bringing together working groups on the peninsula to encourage short supply chain innovation. Food production, tourism and renewable energy are just three of the focus areas of the working groups
– A Farm Ambassador programme – a pilot project to increase agricultural sustainability and productivity by supporting farmers through the digital transformation, in partnership with Net Feasa, Teagasc and Kerry Agribusiness
– Participation as a Sustainable Innovation Pilot on the EU Ploutos Project will continue and amplify the work on both of the above projects through scaling up participation on technology pilots and integrating farming enterprises with related value chains, such as agri-tourism and/or food tourism and enabling farmers to work with technology providers, data analysts and marketing teams.
– The West Kerry Dairy Farmers have established a Sustainable Energy Community and are about to embark on their EMP
– Biorbic – based in Ireland and a world-leading SFI research centre devoted to the bioeconomy, they pursue excellence in research, new discovery and innovation for the development of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy
– A Feasibility Study for Anaerobic Digestion carried out by XD Consulting, supported by Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) and Údarás na Gaeltachta through the EU LECo project
– ESB Networks Dingle Project is working with the community to trial technologies to determine what the grid of the future needs to look like
