AgriSearch reflects on a year of progress and growing engagement

As the organisation advances its five-year strategy, the focus has remained clear: listening to levy payers, supporting on-farm innovation, and ensuring that Northern Ireland agriculture has access to high-quality, independent research.

Increasing Engagement with Levy Payers

A cornerstone of this year’s work has been increasing engagement with farmers. In April, AgriSearch delivered a major dairy conference that attracted over 300 delegates, including many young farmers. Conference content reached an even wider audience online, drawing thousands of views across digital channels.

To complement this, AgriSearch undertook sector-specific R&D needs surveys for dairy, beef and sheep farmers, helping it better articulate practical research priorities to government and academia. Across the year, AgriSearch also delivered 12 farm walks, two webinars, and launched a revitalised website alongside improved social media activity, supported by a newly appointed Communications Officer.

Ensuring Policy Is Grounded in Sound Science

When the Nutrients Action Programme consultation was launched, AgriSearch moved rapidly to provide an independent scientific response. Using data from our Beacon Farm Network, it undertook an initial assessment of the potential impact of the proposals which it presented at the Balmoral Show. Following this it commissioned a detailed economic impact assessment led by Professor Thia Hennessy from University College Cork.

In order to undertake this assessment, AgriSearch developed the NAP Farm Impact Calculator, gathering data from 212 farms across a range of sectors and systems, with the invaluable cooperation from industry partners. The resulting analysis indicated a potential annual cost of £1.56 billion if the proposals were implemented in full. Alongside this, AgriSearch submitted a comprehensive scientific critique and responded to several other DAERA consultations, including the draft Climate Action Plan.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Scientific Talent

AgriSearch’s long-standing commitment to research capacity building continued with two new PhD projects. A PhD scholarship at Ulster University began in September, examining carbon fluxes in upland environments and their implications for national inventories. Trustees also approved funding for a joint project with AI Services and Queen’s University on integrated management strategies for vector-borne diseases. Recruitment is underway, and the successful candidate will become the 30th PhD student supported by AgriSearch.

Supporting Innovation Through the Dairy Carbon Network

One of the year’s most significant developments was the launch of the Dairy Carbon Network, led by AFBI and funded by Defra. Working with more than 50 farms across the UK, the project aims to put practical, farm-ready greenhouse gas mitigation solutions into action. AgriSearch has responsibility for the Northern Ireland cohort and recruited 20 farmers who are now trialling a range of on-farm measures. A programme of knowledge-exchange events will follow in the year ahead.

Planning for a Sustainable Future

While 2025 has delivered meaningful progress, AgriSearch faces ongoing financial pressures. Levy income has remained largely unchanged since 1997, despite nearly three decades of rising costs and growing research demands. To remain effective and responsive, the organisation is actively engaging with farmers and processors to strengthen levy collection and consider options for updating levy rates. Ensuring a sustainable funding model is essential if AgriSearch is to continue delivering independent, high-quality research for Northern Ireland’s livestock sector.

Looking Ahead

This year has demonstrated what can be achieved through strong partnerships, scientific rigour and farmer-led priorities. AgriSearch extends sincere thanks to its trustees, advisory committee members, research partners, and – above all – the farmers who continue to support and guide its work. Together, they are building a more resilient, sustainable and competitive future for Northern Ireland agriculture.