IFA president Tim Cullinan said that farmers and rural Ireland support climate action. However, any proposed changes arising from the new Climate Action Bill must be agreed upon with farmers.

“I believe that the vast majority of Irish citizens are proud of our farming and the food we produce and want to see the sector continuing to flourish sustainably,” he said.

“There are several important provisions in the new climate bill that policymakers will have to consider, which will protect the farming sector,” he said.

The IFA president was speaking as part of his opening address to the Smart Farming Spring Seminar, a collaborative programme in conjunction with the EPA, that works with farmers to support change at farm level.

The IFA has been engaging at all levels to ensure that farming is treated fairly in the climate action process. The new climate bill states that in implementing the bill, the minister “shall” have regard to “the special economic and social role of agriculture including with regards to the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane”.

The minister is required to take this into account when framing any new targets

It also says that the minister shall have regard to the risk of “carbon leakage”, resulting in more emissions occurring in other countries as a result of reductions.

“Our grass-based production systems is extremely efficient from a carbon perspective. It makes no sense to drive food production elsewhere, which will certainly result in carbon leakage, as global food demand is increasing. The minister is required to take this into account when framing any new targets,” he said.

Cullinan said that the suggestion in some quarters that the number of cattle in Ireland will reduce by 51% due to the climate bill is nonsense.

“The draft Agri-Food strategy published at the weekend proposes a 10% reduction in biogenic methane.

It’s easy to set targets, but they must be realistic and achievable

“This target will be very challenging, but I believe that we can achieve this by adapting practices and developing technology while still developing our sector.

“The key issue in the weeks and months ahead is that there is full engagement with farmers on any proposals.

“It’s easy to set targets, but they must be realistic and achievable and strike the right balance between the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, economic and social,” he said.

High Court gives green light to Glanbia Cheese plant

IFA president Tim Cullinan has welcomed the judgment of the High Court to uphold the decision by An Bord Pleanála allowing Glanbia build a cheese plant in Belview.

“This is a significant development and it allows Glanbia to diversify and seek new markets for our quality milk,” he said.

We are willing to engage with anybody who wants to put forward their views on the sustainable development of our sector

The IFA president said lengthy court battles were not the ideal setting for discussions about the future of our agri-food industry.

IFA dairy chair Stephen Arthur said farmers are acutely aware of their responsibility towards the environment, but they need sustainable incomes in order to contribute to climate action.

“We are willing to engage with anybody who wants to put forward their views on the sustainable development of our sector. I would invite An Taisce to meet with the IFA to discuss this project and its value to the rural economy,” he said.

Minister Butler Fair Deal commitment welcome

Tim Cullinan has welcomed the commitment by Minister of State Mary Butler to bring the legislative changes to the Fair Deal scheme, which will place a three-year cap on farmland under certain circumstances, to cabinet in the next two weeks. The IFA has raised this issue frequently with successive ministers and most recently with Minister Butler, who has responsibility for older people.

“Farmers were told over two years ago that the legislation was to come before the Oireachtas. The update from Minister Butler is welcome, and we will be watching closely to see that it happens.”

“The scheme as it stands is fundamentally unfair. It is bringing huge stress and worry on farm families, with farm viability being lost while they wait on the Government to act,” said the IFA president.