IFA President Joe Healy said the publication of the Teagasc National Farm Survey 2017 Sustainability Report, while recording improved economic returns in dairying, once again highlights the profitability challenges of vulnerable sectors including livestock and tillage.
“All too often in the sustainability debate, the climate and the environment take precedence. It is difficult for farmers to continue to be green while they’re in the red. In this context, the Teagasc sustainability report must be welcomed,” he said.
“Today’s report, while showing overall increases in GHG emissions, also highlights the fact that emissions per kilo of output is decreasing, as output increases and efficiency improves.
This emission-efficient grass-based model of food production provides a solid platform for the sustainable development of Ireland’s agriculture, especially in the context increasing global demand for the types of sustainably produced food Ireland has to offer,” he said.
Concluding, Joe Healy called on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action and the Government, when preparing their Action Plan, to support the full implementation of the Teagasc Climate Road Map, rather than increasing costs and taxes on the sector.
