Up to 1.3 million cattle would have to be culled in Ireland to reach Government targets, according to a new study.
Ireland has traditionally depended on farming to drive its economy with some of its most successful exports including Kerrygold and Pilgrim’s Choice.
The Irish Government is due to unveil its climate emergency plans on today (Thursday) and is considering a 21 per cent to 30 per cent cut in carbon emissions from the agricultural sector.
KPMG concluded that rural Ireland faced a €4bn loss to the economy and the loss of more than 56,000 jobs if the Government decides to make a 30 per cent reduction.
According to the Central Statistics Office there are 6.5million cattle in the country which would result in a cull of 1.3 million of the national herd.
However, Taoiseach Micheal Martin dismissed the report by KPMG was “scaremongering.”
“Micheal Martin is shooting in the dark and he has no idea what the economic or social impact of these ceilings will be in rural areas,” said IFA president Tim Cullinan.
LSL News.