Farmers across the country are joining the IFA’s ‘Save Irish Farming’ campaign in the capital today (Sunday, November 21st, 2021).
IFA president, Tim Cullinan, led a convoy of tractors and farm vehicles which arrived in the city at lunchtime.
The convoy is replacing the farm group’s planned Farm Family Rally, which they modified as a result of rising Covid-19 figures.
Save Irish Farming
“Every policy of this government, including their proposed National Strategic Plan to implement the Common Agricultural Policy, is designed to reduce production. Farmers are being asked to do more and more for less.”
“We have consistently called for genuine engagement and negotiation with farm organisations to develop a farm-level plan that farmers can work towards achieving.”
“To date, nothing has been forthcoming. All farmers have received is empty rhetoric and lofty targets with nothing to back them up.”
“Uncertainty is detrimental for any business; farming is no different. Farmers are reaching the end of their tether.”
The farm leader said farmers are “very conscious” of the climate challenge, and farmers want to play their part.
“But this government has no plan. Farmers are being talked at, rather than talked to.”
He said the government needs to provide more funding, including a properly-funded Common Agricultural Policy.
He believes this will ensure that farmers can take on the climate challenge while remaining viable.
“Currently, only 30% of farmers in Ireland are viable. The government’s policies will make more family farms unviable,” he said.
Furthermore, Cullinan highlighted that the farming and food sector employs 300,000 people across the country.
“We contributed €13bn in exports in 2020. We will not be ignored or pushed aside,” added the farm leader.
“The reality is that if food is not produced in Ireland, it will be produced in countries with a higher carbon footprint such as Brazil. It was reported this week that 13,235 square kilometres of rainforest were cleared in 2020/2021.”
“Farming is a business activity. Farmers will not stay at it unless they can make a profit and make a living for their families,” he concluded.
…and we’re off #SaveIrishFarming pic.twitter.com/zlkaPTqA8N
— Irish Farmers’ Association (@IFAmedia) November 21, 2021
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