UCD professor of public health Paddy Wall warned Irish farmers of environmental and health challenges at the IFA’s Smart Farming seminar in Portlaoise on Tuesday.
“Is Origin Green going to become Origin Brown?” he asked, in reference to slurry management.
He warned that obtaining a new nitrates derogation will not be enough to influence consumers’ perception of water and climate damage.
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Meanwhile, people’s health needs will maintain demand for livestock products: “What old people need is easily digestible protein,” he said. “If they want to be vegan, let them be vegan” and focus on producing healthy foods, Prof Wall advised.
“Don’t say I’m a farmer – say I’m in the human health business.”
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