Irish Vegetable Growers Face High Costs Amid Climate-Driven Drought
What happened
A new report by Teagasc found that vegetable growers in Ireland paid up to nine times the normal amount to water crops during the summer drought. While a standard 25mm irrigation application costs around €345 per hectare, some growers spent over €3,100 per hectare to protect crops like lettuce. The research noted that even with extra irrigation, growers often produced less marketable yield due to higher grade-out rates.
From rte.ie
Why it matters
The findings confirm that the country's field vegetable sector faces a significant challenge in managing the increased risks and costs posed by climate change. The report also stated that 2026 was Ireland's hottest summer on record, marking the second consecutive year the national summer temperature record was broken.
Teagasc is conducting studies related to Irish agriculture, including preparing farmers for weather swings and climate challenges.
From rte.ie
Who's involved
- TeagascThe core agricultural body for Ireland that produced the findings on climate risk.
- Climate CouncilAn Australian organization studying challenges in the Irish agricultural context.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
Keep exploring
Part of
Teagasc is conducting studies related to Irish agriculture.Also in this story
- Teagasc discussed Nitrogen Use Efficiency, with Climate Advisor Colm Kelly participating in the discussion.
- A specific project demonstrating efficient milk production is underway at Shinagh Dairy Farm in West Cork, led by Teagasc.
- Teagasc provided advisory services in Tipperary County on August 25, 2026.
- Teagasc is leading a dairy-beef innovation project, with studies planned to be carried out in Belgium and France.
The entities involved
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Ireland
sovereign state in Northwestern Europe
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Teagasc
Irish government agency
Nothing else this week.
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Climate Council
Australian organisation
Related events
- The Met Office is providing severe weather warnings to households in Ireland, with Austen noted as the first director of the Irish Meteorological Service.
- David Styles led research at the University of Galway focusing on risks facing Irish farming.
- Sinn Féin is proposing policy actions regarding the energy and climate transition in Ireland.
- Irish media is covering climate issues within Somaliland.
- Weather warnings are active across parts of Ireland, including Galway, Cork, and Donegal, due to storms and heavy downpours.