A new survey by lender Bank of Ireland shows that almost half of its farmer customers expect climate change policies will have a negative impact on their business over the next three years.

Livestock

With the Green Party engaged in Government formation talks, 46% of farmers responding to Bank of Ireland’s Agri-Pulse survey think that new climate change policies will hurt their business in the form of mandatory reduction of livestock numbers, restrictions on the use of fertiliser and sprays, increased compliance costs as well as the introduction of higher carbon taxes.

Less than a third (28%) of farmers think that new climate policies will be positive for their business, citing benefits such as a better environment, more efficient and sustainable farming and the potential for grants and funding supports.

According to Dr Loretta O’Sullivan, chief economist with Bank of Ireland, seven in 10 farmer customers also report that the COVID-19 shock has had a negative impact on their business.