Irish dairy farmers are “up for the challenge” of climate action, John Jordan, Ornua CEO, has said.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal at the ICMSA AGM, Jordan said the consumer needs a “simple story” around sustainability.

“The Kerrygold brand encompasses all that is good about Irish dairy – Irish family farms, grass-fed cows, really high-quality product,” he said.

“At Ornua, if you look at our recent marketing campaigns, it’s actually the farmers themselves telling their stories. It’s not actors, it’s not scripted.

“Where the consumer is concerned, they’re hearing noise about climate action, about sustainability, and they’re holding brands like Kerrygold to an extremely high standard.

“The issue for consumers is what’s the simple story. Climate action is a very complex area, but if the EPA talk about declining river quality, that is easy to understand,” he added.

Jordan said there is superb scientific knowledge in Ireland, and a supportive Government.

“It’s a case of those stakeholders helping farmers make those small, incremental changes that will collectively lead to a stronger position, but it must be a real tangible story,” he said.

There’s nobody more vested in long-term sustainable viable farm production than farmers

The Ornua chief said he believes farmers are up for playing their part.

“There’s nobody more vested in long-term sustainable viable farm production than farmers. We need to give them the scientific support, the financial support and the physical support they need to make the required changes.”