We have less than eight years to radically reduce our emissions and the lack of a tangible strategy is deeply worrying

The Government’s emissions reduction plan must assist all farmers – not just the big players, says Social Democrats Agriculture spokesperson Holly Cairns.

“The Government’s climate action plans must support small family farms in a just transition.

“Now the sectoral emissions have been agreed, the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue has to work with all farming sectors to ensure that targets are reached.

“Too often we have top down decisions being made which benefit a small few big players and not ordinary farmers.

“The Government must work with all stakeholders to develop achievable plans. We have less than eight years to radically reduce our emissions and the lack of a tangible strategy is deeply worrying.

“Small farmers and rural communities are genuinely concerned about what this change will mean.

“The Minister should already have a consultation campaign in place to work with all stakeholders, not just major lobby groups.

“Agriculture policy from successive Governments have decimated family farms overlooking the incredible economic and environmental potential of other areas, such as forestry, horticulture, upland farming, and the wool sector.

“There must be a fundamental shift in the types of farming which are respected and incentivised.”

02 August, 2022

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