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The dairy sector has been given a “free pass” in this week’s Climate Change Advisory Council report, according to the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA).
The INHFA has said it is totally unacceptable that the suckler sector is targeted while the dairy sector, which has seen massive growth, gets a free pass.
INHFA vice-president John Moran outlined how climate change will be a major factor for the farming sector as Ireland tries to reduce carbon emissions.
“Targeting the suckler sector will further undermine many parts of rural Ireland and fail to deliver positive outcomes in terms of climate change and biodiversity,” he said.
The INHFA has adopted the policy of fairness, not favouritism, in relation to Irish agriculture as this is what we strive for
Moran said the report rewards a very intensive farming model that is unsustainable ahead of an extensive farming model that delivers for rural Ireland and the environment as illustrated in the Burren.
“Has climate change now become a factor of economics? I thought climate change was about the environment and doing what was best to protect and enhance our biodiversity.
“The INHFA has adopted the policy of fairness, not favouritism, in relation to Irish agriculture as this is what we strive for.
“With this in mind we cannot understand how a Climate Change Advisory Council can effectively write a report undermining the farmers who are actively trying to sustain the environment on land that offsets the greenhouse gas emissions of other larger so-called 'productive industries' such as the dairy industry,” he said.
Slash in suckler herd
The council recommended that Ireland’s suckler herd should be cut by up to 536,000 head, with an increase in forestry and low-emission slurry spreading alone not making the cut in reducing the country’s emissions.
The report also recommends an extensification process be included in the next CAP. Farmers would be guaranteed their full direct payment from CAP for reducing numbers, according to the report.
Prof John Fitzgerald, chair of the council, said that if there is any increase in the dairy herd then we need a bigger reduction in the suckler herd. He also told the Irish Farmers Journal: “We really need to stop expanding the dairy herd.”
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