'I don't buy into this concept that you cut the herd' - Minister Cowen

Minister Cowen is adamant that farming should not be seen as a problem child.

“Farming has made a contribution to-date in relation to sustainability and environmental protection. That has contributed to the fantastic produce that emanates from Irish farming.

“The whole emphasis must be to align production systems to consumer sentiment and environmental ambition. If we can meet these three pillars, I think we can take agriculture to an even greater place. There was a meeting of minds among the three parties in arriving at this consensus. There was no undue burden ever going to be placed on agriculture,” he said, which will go some way to reassuring farmers.

The whole emphasis must be to align production systems to consumer sentiment and environmental ambition

“That’s not to say agriculture won’t continue to play its part. It will do so in three ways – reducing emissions, removing emissions (sequestration) and the role that energy plays on farms,” Cowen explained.

“A cut in the national herd is not necessarily on our radar. New technologies and advancements can help in reducing the methane emanating from the herd. I don’t buy into this concept that you cut the herd,” he insisted.

Beef opportunity

“I don’t like the depiction of the beef sector as problematic,” he said, when questioned.

“I’d like to change the terminology to one of opportunity. This Government believes agriculture can play a central role in stimulating the economy.

New technologies and advancements can help in reducing the methane emanating from the herd

“There will always be price volatility, but I recognise the importance of the beef sector to the country and to every parish in the country. I want to play my part in ensuring it is stimulated into levels of production and quality that can ensure that farmers get a return on their produce. I know to date the Beef Taskforce has been making progress. We are committed to the introduction of a food ombudsman to ensure fairness in the sector.”

On farm safety

“I empathise with the huge pressures on farms and the part that plays in farm accidents. It’s all about communication, raising awareness, working with farm bodies and the HSA to create a cultural shift. I want to emphasise my commitment to ensuring that farm safety has as much of a role and place as environmental initiatives,” the Minister said.