Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Thomas said he has "big shoes to fill". The beef and dairy farmer from Laragh in Co Cavan wants to create a greater awareness of the efforts of Irish farmers over the last number of years in terms of climate change and the environment.

"Farmers have invested a huge amount of money over the last 7 or 8 years to meet environmental standards, in REPS, farm waste management and various other schemes. I want to create a greater awareness of this fact, and I hope that their hard work stands to them going forward.

My focus isn't just about the environment - I want to see a fair economic return for farmers.

"I don't want farmers to have to sacrifice their production to meet any new environmental rules that come into effect. For example, beef farmers shouldn't have to sacrifice the size of their herd to meet emissions targets.

"My focus isn't just about the environment - I want to see a fair economic return for farmers," he said.

Thomas now plans to engage with Commissioner Phil Hogan on the 2030 emissions targets.

"Climate change is going to be a big challenge. In the 2020 emissions targets, no recognition was given to the sustainable type of farming we have here in Ireland, and I don't want those past mistakes to be repeated," he said.

Duplicated inspections

He also wants to make sure that there will be no duplication of inspections on farms by the various different organisations involved.

"I know there has to be inspections, but farmers are having it tough enough as it is. Duplicated inspections only increases the burden," he said.

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