Irish farmers have been warned of the dangers to the domestic agricultural sector from proposals to revise the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Planned National Climate Protection Act. Farmers in Ireland talk about a double whammy against agriculture.

On June 11, they took to the streets in 30 cities across the country as part of a large-scale demonstration organized by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) to defend themselves against a “double attack on the agricultural sector.”

“Agriculture does not exist”

Tim Cullinan, president of the association, said farmers are committed to climate protection. However, the political goals and strategies pursued at the European and national levels do not assess the economic and social impact on agriculture and rural areas.

The IFA President recalled that the Irish agricultural sector employs 300,000 people and exports 13 13 billion (CHF 14.2 billion) by 2020. He also mentioned talks with Prime Minister Michael Martin, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan and Agriculture Minister
“We know agriculture in Ireland will survive if the CAP does not change its current direction and adopt the” wrong “climate change law,” Charlie McConaugheck warned.

Farmers are divided

Cullinan fears that the massive cuts under the CAP will affect a “farmers’ community.” The EU is demanding more environmental measures from farmers, but does not want to compensate accordingly. “To divert attention, they have put forward proposals aimed at dividing the peasantry,” the Irishman said.

The IFA President called on the Dublin government to “ensure maximum flexibility within the CAP framework”, to finance the CAP, to pay 1.5 billion euros (1.63 billion CHF) in carbon tax, and to meet its obligations under the Government program. To finance agro-environmental activities.

“Ecological Showmanship”

In light of the planned National Climate Protection Act, Cullinan criticized that it contained “false inaccuracies” that would increase global warming rather than reduce it. For example, the bill does not recognize that farmers are storing carbon with their jobs, and this achievement is not being rewarded.

The IFA president warned that the current implementation of the Climate Protection Act could lead to changes in production and CO2 emissions. It is an “environmental manifestation” regardless of the real impact of measures on global warming.