Cutting national herd to reduce emissions 'a lazy narrative'

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen says he rejects the narrative that cutting the national herd is the only solution to achieving Ireland's emissions targets.

Cowen has said that farmers are more than willing to play their part in climate action and must remain at the centre of Government policy.

He commented: "I will continue to advocate within Fianna Fáil for Ireland's agricultural sector. We must get to a position where we align production systems, consumer sentiment and environmental ambition. If we do this and meet our emission targets, it will only be as a result of negotiation and agreement with relevant stakeholders.

"Government is going to have to be bold and innovative, it’s going to have to be generous in its spending and investment ensuring farmers can make changes at no cost. We have to ensure there’s potential not to cut incomes but improve them so various solutions including genomics, foodstuffs, energy generation, carbon sequestration and trading amongst others must be capable of yielding profit for farm families.

"Such a strategy is far more appropriate than simply and lazily suggesting herd cull or cut. CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) convergence was always a goal that can now be realised but only if adequate investment compensates those that lose out monetarily with an environmental package that benefits farm families. This will ensure we retain and further enhance our reputation as one of the world’s best producers and suppliers of quality food and drink produce.

"Just Transition and the targeting of those areas most impacted by acceleration of decarbonisation hasn’t kept pace with rising fuel and energy costs. A rush to meet enlarged emissions targets cannot realise the same fate. Therefore, it’s pivotal that bold, innovative, generous grants and investments allow farm families to realise increased income as well as realising the country’s environmental ambition.''