New Teagasc Water Campaign Must be Embraced by All

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Better Farming for Water’ campaign by Teagasc today, IFA President Francie Gorman said farmers want to improve water quality and that they will embrace the 8 Actions for Change set out in the campaign.

“Making more farmers want to do the right thing and making more targeted advice available is a positive step. Everyone needs to get behind it to make it work,” he said.

“It is important that Teagasc are given the resources to properly implement the campaign,” said.

“The Department of Agriculture and all arms of the State must also step up to the plate. Delays in TAMS and in the planning process are slowing farmers down in carrying out environmental works on their farms,” he said.

“Every farmer should be eligible to apply for TAMS and the costing must be realistic,” he said.

“The reality is that we need to be able to develop our farm businesses while improving water quality. Reducing farming activity is not the answer. The economic and social contribution of farming in rural areas will not be replaced by anything else. That’s why this campaign is so important,” he said.