Fully informed views and balance are needed in the ongoing debate around Irish dairy sustainability, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
Aine O’Connell, IFA Dairy Committee senior policy executive said: “Despite what others would like the general public to believe, Irish dairy production is environmentally sustainable.”
Ms O’Connell believes that science is being cherry-picked because we see many people advocating for a reduction in herd size with very little understanding of the dairy industry.
She reported that late last year a third level lecturer posted a video on Twitter claiming a farmer was spreading fertiliser during the closed period when in fact he was spreading lime – a beneficial thing to do for the environment and soil health.
“This is very damaging as titles and positions carry weight so statements made by these individuals need to be balanced and fully informed.
“We need to demonstrate to the general public that the way we produce milk in this country is the most efficient system in the world. We also need to let them know that we are willing to do more but that incomes need to improve in order to enable us to do more,” the dairy executive added.
LSL News.