Macra na Feirme says the need for agriculture to reduce its emissions by 21 to 30 percent by 2030, is an unfair target that will prevent young farmers from entering the industry.
“Climate justice is about the fair treatment of all people and the freedom from discrimination in the creation of policies. The blanket reductions disproportionately affect young farmers by limiting their ability to enter the sector and creating instability for those who have recently invested in their businesses,” said Macra na Feirme National President John Keane.
Mr Keane believes Ireland is already facing a crisis with the age breakdown of farmers and placing further restrictions on the industry would limit new, young farmers from joining and deepen the crisis further.
“Young new entrants into the sector are more educated than previous generations and understand that climate change is the defining issue of our generation. It is this group of farmers who are going to make the changes needed to reduce carbon emissions but their ability to enter the sector is limited,” he added.
“Irish agriculture which is renowned for quality and traceability across the world, needs the Government to stand by it not to stand on it.”
LSL News.