Ireland: Agriculture Minister Disagrees with An Taisce's Call for Drastic Dairy Herd Cuts
Source: The DairyNews
Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, has rejected An Taisce's warning that a substantial reduction in the dairy cow population is necessary to meet water quality targets in polluted river catchments.
Speaking to the Farming Independent, he said he “does not agree” with the NGO’s Head of Advocacy Dr Elaine McGoff, who called for the new measures in light of Teagasc’s own modelling.
The minister stated his disagreement, emphasizing that Ireland's farming lands have the capacity to utilize nutrients effectively compared to other countries. He highlighted the importance of the derogation, contingent on maintaining good water quality and ongoing efforts to improve it.
Minister McConalogue acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in farmers' efforts and their rapid adoption of measures for sensible nutrient management. He underscored the need to demonstrate progress to the European Commission, even if improvements may have a time lag.
Note: An Taisce is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on environmental conservation in Ireland.
The minister stated his disagreement, emphasizing that Ireland's farming lands have the capacity to utilize nutrients effectively compared to other countries. He highlighted the importance of the derogation, contingent on maintaining good water quality and ongoing efforts to improve it.
Minister McConalogue acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in farmers' efforts and their rapid adoption of measures for sensible nutrient management. He underscored the need to demonstrate progress to the European Commission, even if improvements may have a time lag.
Note: An Taisce is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on environmental conservation in Ireland.
