The Climate Bill must not undermine the continued viability of sustainable farming across Tipperary , Fine Gael Senator Garret Ahearn has said.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 is currently going through the Houses of the Oireachtas. At a recent Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting, a motion about protecting the future for Irish farming families was agreed unanimously following a long discussion with members from both urban and rural constituencies backing the proposal.
Senator Garret Ahearn said, “Farmers in Tipperary are very climate aware, they want to pass on a sustainable and viable farm to the next generation and they have taken measures to ensure increased sustainability in their production. “It is absolutely crucial that commercial farm families are supported by the Climate Bill to ensure the very group that can most affect change and strengthen sustainability are not alienated by this legislation.
“Everybody accepts that farming contributes to our emissions, and farmers accept the need to constantly change practices to more sustainable methods. However, there is often scant consideration given to the mitigation and carbon sequestration measures already being implemented by farmers across Tipperary . “Carbon budgets will play a real role in helping us achieve our emissions targets, but these budgets must take into account the measures that farmers are already taking.
“The agri-food sector is our most important indigenous industry, providing 173,000 jobs nationally and accounting for 10% of Irish exports. Agriculture is crucial to our rural economy and the income generated is spent locally. “The most certain way to achieve balanced rural development is to ensure the viability of family farming in Tipperary, and across the country.” Senator Garret Ahearn concluded.
