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Bord Bia has “neglected” the Irish tillage sector in its proposed farm sustainability programme, according to the Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG).
“The tillage sector in Ireland is the electric motor hidden under the bonnet of the modern agri-food sector. Bord Bia have again neglected it in its proposed climate credit scheme while promoting the old diesel engines with the bonnet up like dairy and beef when it comes to GHG emissions.
“In this terrible time of the COVID-19 virus there are lessons to be learned. One is that local supply of food and other essential commodities are vital going forward.
“That's why the primary producer has to be central to any of these schemes but yet again the tillage sector has been ignored by our State body Bord Bia.
This is a climate change scheme and still endorses use of cheap imported, high carbon footprint GMO feed
“If it's Bord Bia's job to lay down a roadmap for Irish farmers to reduce emissions and promote biodiversity why have they left out the agri sector with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions by far?” the IGG asked.
Native grains
The group has said it is “unbelievable” that in this scheme using native grain and pulses would not result in climate credits for farms.
“This is a climate change scheme and still endorses use of cheap imported, high carbon footprint GMO feed from environmentally destructive countries that also freely use crop protection chemicals that are banned by EU and our DAFM food scientists on consumer health and environmental grounds.
There was no gain to growers from the SHAS
“A similar approach was applied to the Sustainable Horticulture Assurance Scheme (SHAS) and this cost growers substantial money.
“On average €25,000 was the cost to farmers that entered it. There was no gain to growers from the SHAS but if you did not have Origin Green and Q mark you went out of business.
“Growers were told it's voluntary. We know how many are left in the horticultural business now,” it said.
Not being exploited
The group has said that a strong marketing tool is not being exploited by Bord Bia.
“Why have we not set up and branded ourselves as GMO free for the likes of our premium dairy and beef industries that we market around the world?
It's an open goal to aim at
“Why have we not got an authentic Irish farm to fork campaign? Beef fed with grass, Irish grain and legumes only. Same with dairy? It's an open goal to aim at.
“Irish grain and legumes need to be distinguished from imports, a premium placed on it and promoted by Bord Bia,” it said.
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