DEAR SIR: Further to a recent press release from the Houses of Oireachtas, I wonder if hi-tech ‘precision agriculture’ can help thousands of small-scale farmers to make a sufficient living so that they can continue their traditional farming and stewardship of our diverse landscape and wildlife – and not be forced into liquidation as collateral damage of a developing dynamic growth scenario?

In the meantime, I suggest a little more research and investment in proven farm diversification by way of agroforestry, which is a relatively easy low-tech and low-cost way to add a range of economic.

A balanced use of hi-tech and low-tech is necessary if we are to advance in a sustainable way that benefits all farmers as well as our landscape and rural communities.

Read more

Letter from ILCS re WHPR scheme

Letter: ‘One in five months is hardly good enough for any farmer'