Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Joe Healy has said the Brazilian government is wilfully decimating the Amazon rainforest to make way for intensively produced and untraceable beef. In defence of Irish produce, Healy stated 90% of Ireland’s beef exports are in audit and carbon foot printing programme.

He said: “It would be illegal for any Irish farmer to farm on these terms, yet beef farmers who are on their knees are losing out to Brazilian beef as we speak. The Government and EU cannot continue to speak out of both sides of their mouth.

“They are asking European farmers to do more with less, while at the same time potentially reducing the CAP Budget and signing deals with Brazil.

"Meeting our climate target is achievable, but only if real credible leadership is provided."

Farmer engagement

IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney said: “Over 212,000 carbon assessments have been completed on farms, as part of Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme. With just over 130,000 family farms in the country no other sector of society has shown this level of commitment.”

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