There are “real fears” among small farmers across Count Galway that they will be “sacrificed” in the race to meet carbon emission targets, unlike large farms which will be supported.
This is the view of Independent Galway East TD, Sean Canney, who said there has been very little discussion of how small farmers can be expected to maintain a livelihood, while at the same time cut emissions.
“Practical solutions are not being brought forward,” he said. “The debate so far is very vague, and clarity is required to offer farmers a clear pathway on how farming will have to change if the carbon targets are to be met.”
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Dep Canney’s concerns come on the back of an economic assessment by KPMG which argued that any carbon emission target beyond 13 to 18 per cent will require a reduction in cattle numbers, and that smaller farm families will be hardest hit.
A reduction of 21 per cent, the report said, would reduce cattle numbers and reduce profitability by seven per cent for beef farmers; a target cut of 30 per cent in emissions would require a 20 per cent cut in herd numbers.
“Any reduction target beyond the 18 per cent will be devastating for the small family farm,” said Dep Canney [pictured below], who added that he is concerned small farmers are being “brought down a road of massive herd reduction”.
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He said “upfront investment” will be required from the Government to help meet any proposed changes and offset loss of income.
“This investment needs to be front loaded so that farmers can invest in the new measure so that their income is maintained during the transition period,” he said. “We cannot continue to discuss this issue in the dark. We need to see the Carbon Budget and proper engagement with all stakeholders, including all farmers. Farming is now at a crossroads and is being sacrificed by the Government.”
