Talks are underway to address creative methods as alternatives for food and animal feed as the war in Ukraine continues. It’s understood that some of the options under discussion include wool as an alternative to fertiliser and the suspension of the carbon tax for seven months.
According to the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association national vice president Pheilim Molloy, practical ways are to be addressed as Europe faces this storm.
Molloy says “with wool containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – in addition to sulphur and other valuable minerals – this could be an additional option on some farms.”
Seeking alternatives Molloy raised several methods for government to consider which included the following:
- Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS): Changes to the traditional hay meadow option to extend grazing from the 15 April to 7 May would take pressure off grass supply and the requirement for fertiliser
- GLAS: Under the wild bird cover option there are currently 8,000ha growing barley and, where possible, some of this could be brought into the food chain
- In looking to increase the area of arable land, it must be recognised that there is land and areas of the country where, for various reasons, this is not an option. However, there are large areas of state-owned land that could be suitable and this needs to be explored
- In the wider context, there needs to be greater focus on small-scale local food production
As authorities mull over recommended strategies, Molloy says that growing costs are becoming a concern.
LSL News.