The proposals in the recently published Climate Change Advisory Council report to significantly reduce the national suckler herd, has been described by Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Joe Healy as being based on the flawed logic of looking at emissions from food production on a single country basis.
“The proposed cut in the herd takes no account of the economic or social consequences, particularly for areas where beef production is the backbone of the local economy, with cattle farmers spending over €1.5bn each year on agri-inputs.
The Brazilians are clear felling the equivalent of a football pitch every minute, to meet international beef demand
“Our farmers are amongst the most carbon-efficient food producers in the world, because of our grass-based model of food production. Reducing the Irish suckler herd will result in an increase in global emissions, as beef would be produced in countries with less-sustainable systems.
“As I recently pointed out in our ongoing campaign of opposition to the proposed Mercosur trade deal, the Brazilians are clear felling the equivalent of a football pitch every minute, to meet international beef demand.
“The recommendation will continue to fuel this climate destruction. With the world population growing, it is reckless to consider reducing food production in countries who have ideal climatic conditions for producing food naturally,” he said.
Farmers in Ireland continue to lead climate action. No other country in the world measures, monitors and manages carbon from farm to fork at a national level
IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney said he strongly criticised the council’s lack of vision or policy direction, to drive the delivery of the 18.5m tonnes of carbon savings identified in Teagasc’s climate roadmap, instead falling back on the lazy option of targeting food production.
“Farmers in Ireland continue to lead climate action. No other country in the world measures, monitors and manages carbon from farm to fork at a national level. Today, over 212,000 carbon assessments have been completed across the 139,000 farms in Ireland, increased numbers of farmers are using low emissions slurry spreading equipment, GLAS is fully subscribed and all farmers who receive a basic payment farm to Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions criteria.
“What’s it all for, if the solution now proposed by the CAC is to reduce our climate efficient food production?” Cooney said.
Cooney said that recommendations in the report are “a dismal reflection on the scientific and research work” of Ireland’s state agencies.
Read more
Listen: large-scale suckler cull recommended by climate report
Brazil’s climate commitment cannot be taken at face value – ICSA
Additional €38m needed for sucklers - IFA pre-budget submission
The proposals in the recently published Climate Change Advisory Council report to significantly reduce the national suckler herd, has been described by Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Joe Healy as being based on the flawed logic of looking at emissions from food production on a single country basis.
“The proposed cut in the herd takes no account of the economic or social consequences, particularly for areas where beef production is the backbone of the local economy, with cattle farmers spending over €1.5bn each year on agri-inputs.
The Brazilians are clear felling the equivalent of a football pitch every minute, to meet international beef demand
“Our farmers are amongst the most carbon-efficient food producers in the world, because of our grass-based model of food production. Reducing the Irish suckler herd will result in an increase in global emissions, as beef would be produced in countries with less-sustainable systems.
“As I recently pointed out in our ongoing campaign of opposition to the proposed Mercosur trade deal, the Brazilians are clear felling the equivalent of a football pitch every minute, to meet international beef demand.
“The recommendation will continue to fuel this climate destruction. With the world population growing, it is reckless to consider reducing food production in countries who have ideal climatic conditions for producing food naturally,” he said.
Farmers in Ireland continue to lead climate action. No other country in the world measures, monitors and manages carbon from farm to fork at a national level
IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney said he strongly criticised the council’s lack of vision or policy direction, to drive the delivery of the 18.5m tonnes of carbon savings identified in Teagasc’s climate roadmap, instead falling back on the lazy option of targeting food production.
“Farmers in Ireland continue to lead climate action. No other country in the world measures, monitors and manages carbon from farm to fork at a national level. Today, over 212,000 carbon assessments have been completed across the 139,000 farms in Ireland, increased numbers of farmers are using low emissions slurry spreading equipment, GLAS is fully subscribed and all farmers who receive a basic payment farm to Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions criteria.
“What’s it all for, if the solution now proposed by the CAC is to reduce our climate efficient food production?” Cooney said.
Cooney said that recommendations in the report are “a dismal reflection on the scientific and research work” of Ireland’s state agencies.
Read more
Listen: large-scale suckler cull recommended by climate report
Brazil’s climate commitment cannot be taken at face value – ICSA
Additional €38m needed for sucklers - IFA pre-budget submission
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