Category: Farming
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Restricting Farm Output Would be Huge Mistake
“Farmers in Ireland produce some of the most carbon efficient beef and dairy in the world. We are more than willing to play our part in addressing the climate challenge, but using a ‘blunt instrument’ to control output would be damaging for the future of Irish farming and rural Ireland.” At our AGM yesterday, the…
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Minister Commits at IFA AGM to Stronger Legislation on Dog Ownership
At today’s IFA AGM, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue committed to strengthen legislation in this area. Kevin Comiskey said IFA launched the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign last year and this campaign will continue until we see the strengthened legislation come into force. IFA has clearly and consistently set out the needs in this area, which…
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IFA President Warns Against Creating Food Emergency to Solve Climate Emergency
Addressing the 67th Annual General Meeting of the Irish Farmers Association in the Round Room in Dublin today, IFA President Tim Cullinan warned against creating a global food emergency trying solve the climate emergency. “Too many policy decisions are being taken without a proper analysis of the consequences. Not every country can produce its own…
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Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss Nitrates Action Programme and the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes
The meeting at 5.30pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will hear from Representatives from The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI Ireland). Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “The Nitrates Action Programme aims to reduce the environmental impact on surface and groundwater by the farming…
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Lidl Cut-Price Promotion on Large Chickens Grossly Irresponsible
“Selling a 1.9kg chicken for €3.49 is grossly irresponsible and has the potential to lead to a price war that producers will ultimately pay for,” he said. IFA Poultry Chairman Andrew Boylan is leading a protest of poultry growers at Lidl in Cavan town and Monaghan town this morning. “Some retailers have recognised the very…
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Farmers Must Retain Control of Their Data
Last year IFA wrote to Teagasc, Bord Bia, ICBF, the EPA, Animal Health Ireland and the Department of Agriculture asking them a number of detailed questions about their policies around the sharing of farmer data. We received detailed replies from each organisation and we have had some follow-up meetings. “We are seeking very clear undertakings…
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High fertilizer prices are slamming farmers already buckling under the strain of rising costs to produce food
Speaking today (Saturday 22nd January), from his Cork South-West constituency, Deputy Collins, who is a member of the Oireachtas Joint Agriculture Committee, stated: “Irish Farmers are experiencing a nightmare situation with input costs, as fertiliser prices have hit record levels in the last several months, with all three groups of nutrients — potash, phosphate and nitrogen — more than…
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Increased Food Service Sector Demand to Drive Lamb Prices
Sean Dennehy said the domestic food service sector is a key outlet for lamb. As society returns to more normal social engagements, demand for lamb will increase. He said the reduction in COVID-19 cases and the changes to the public health guidelines have eased the staffing issues at processing level. “Lamb numbers are extremely tight. …
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New Reconstitution Scheme for Frost Damage Must be Extended to Include Forests Planted since 2015
IFA has been seeking such a scheme to support forest owners affected by frost events since 2020. It will be a huge relief to affected forest owners, but the Minister has to extend the eligibility to include forest owners who planted since 2015,” he said. He said that some forest owners that planted in 2015…
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IFA Dairy Calf webinar marks the start of the calving season
IFA Dairy Chairman Stephen Arthur said top-quality management of calves, particularly in their first four to six weeks, is essential to support a dairy sector that is both profitable and sustainable. “The webinar will inform farmers on how to use the latest technologies to improve the quality and value of calves born from the dairy…