Perennial ryegrass variety selection for reseeding

This document evaluates the cost-benefit profile of transitioning to agroecological farming practices in Ireland. It outlines initial and ongoing investment costs, including sanitary/veterinary authorisation, buildings, machinery, and working capital, with low advisory costs and no certification fees. Economic benefits include significant reductions in energy and input use (fertilisers, pesticides, feed, fuel, electricity), a mid-range payback period, and no applicability for product value addition or agri-environmental payments. Environmental benefits are high for feed self-sufficiency, biodiversity, and soil regeneration, and mid-range for nitrogen cycling and animal welfare. Social benefits are mid-range for workload reduction, with no impact on youth engagement. Funded by the European Union, the analysis is supported by peer-reviewed research on grassland productivity, plant diversity, and topsoil quality.