Youngest of five children, I was born into a farming family steeped in agriculture in Co Kilkenny. My grandfather purchased our family farm in 1959 and set up a dairy and beef enterprise.
UCD were the winners of the Great Agri Food debate 2020. Simon was a team member
Over the decades, the dairy herd has increased to 180 Holstein Friesian cows under the supervision of my father Eddie and my brother Tom. From a young age, I have had a keen interest in agriculture which ultimately led to my decision to study Agricultural Science in University College Dublin.
Challenge for agriculture
Without doubt, one of the biggest challenges that faces agriculture is climate change. Public perception of agriculture is vital for the survival of our meat and dairy products. However the divide between the farmer and the consumer is growing. We need to reach out to people explaining the environmental, sustainable and nutritional benefits of our product.
Marketing has such a crucial role in any industry but, definitely in agriculture, it’s becoming more and more important. If we can market our produce online and educate the consumer on the benefits of meat and dairy products along with the hard work that our farmers do daily, then we can strive for a united agri-food sector.
I have gained knowledge in so many areas in relation to the agri-food sector especially in relation to the debate topics. The knowledge I have gained in relation to waste management, CAP schemes, the environment and the circular economy will stand to me in the future both in my personal and agricultural life.
Waste: I was the lead speaker for the debate on waste management. It was great to get such an insight into how our waste industry is managed. We found some startling figures. Waste prevention only deals with reduction and reusing of waste, ignoring the fact that we need to recycle, incinerate and a small percentage of waste must end up in a landfill. There is a huge problem with waste that is currently lying in our landscapes and oceans. This is a discussion that needs to be happening at every level in our society as we navigate into the future.
Veganism: We market our produce on our lush green pastures and it is essential that this remains the reality. With movements such as veganism it’s important that we educate the public on the great work that our industry does.
CAP: Throughout the CAP debate I took the environmental side of the argument and it was evident that subsidies are protecting and enhancing our natural environment. We have schemes such as GLAS which protect our biodiversity and we also have grants for the low emission slurry spreaders which release up to 58% less ammonia to the atmosphere according to Teagasc research. EU subsides and grants undoubtedly aid and protect our natural environment which is crucial for Ireland and its environment.
It is vital that we have government leadership that has the best interests of the agricultural industry at heart. This will lead to the creation of solid policies that will help solidify and sustain our agricultural sector into the future. Policies that protect the environment, farmers’ income, market prices and rural Ireland are paramount to managing and supporting the agri-food industry going forward.
Technology is certainly the future and all farming enterprises are going to have to embrace that if they haven’t done so already. Genetics is evolving at a very exciting rate and no doubt this will open many doors for employment and the industry.
Read more
'Nothing is achieved when both sides come out attacking each other'
'The truth will always prevail'
Youngest of five children, I was born into a farming family steeped in agriculture in Co Kilkenny. My grandfather purchased our family farm in 1959 and set up a dairy and beef enterprise.
UCD were the winners of the Great Agri Food debate 2020. Simon was a team member
Over the decades, the dairy herd has increased to 180 Holstein Friesian cows under the supervision of my father Eddie and my brother Tom. From a young age, I have had a keen interest in agriculture which ultimately led to my decision to study Agricultural Science in University College Dublin.
Challenge for agriculture
Without doubt, one of the biggest challenges that faces agriculture is climate change. Public perception of agriculture is vital for the survival of our meat and dairy products. However the divide between the farmer and the consumer is growing. We need to reach out to people explaining the environmental, sustainable and nutritional benefits of our product.
Marketing has such a crucial role in any industry but, definitely in agriculture, it’s becoming more and more important. If we can market our produce online and educate the consumer on the benefits of meat and dairy products along with the hard work that our farmers do daily, then we can strive for a united agri-food sector.
I have gained knowledge in so many areas in relation to the agri-food sector especially in relation to the debate topics. The knowledge I have gained in relation to waste management, CAP schemes, the environment and the circular economy will stand to me in the future both in my personal and agricultural life.
Waste: I was the lead speaker for the debate on waste management. It was great to get such an insight into how our waste industry is managed. We found some startling figures. Waste prevention only deals with reduction and reusing of waste, ignoring the fact that we need to recycle, incinerate and a small percentage of waste must end up in a landfill. There is a huge problem with waste that is currently lying in our landscapes and oceans. This is a discussion that needs to be happening at every level in our society as we navigate into the future.
Veganism: We market our produce on our lush green pastures and it is essential that this remains the reality. With movements such as veganism it’s important that we educate the public on the great work that our industry does.
CAP: Throughout the CAP debate I took the environmental side of the argument and it was evident that subsidies are protecting and enhancing our natural environment. We have schemes such as GLAS which protect our biodiversity and we also have grants for the low emission slurry spreaders which release up to 58% less ammonia to the atmosphere according to Teagasc research. EU subsides and grants undoubtedly aid and protect our natural environment which is crucial for Ireland and its environment.
It is vital that we have government leadership that has the best interests of the agricultural industry at heart. This will lead to the creation of solid policies that will help solidify and sustain our agricultural sector into the future. Policies that protect the environment, farmers’ income, market prices and rural Ireland are paramount to managing and supporting the agri-food industry going forward.
Technology is certainly the future and all farming enterprises are going to have to embrace that if they haven’t done so already. Genetics is evolving at a very exciting rate and no doubt this will open many doors for employment and the industry.
Read more
'Nothing is achieved when both sides come out attacking each other'
'The truth will always prevail'
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