Gorman: Gov Failing on Farm Emissions
Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) President Francie Gorman has launched a stinging criticism of the Government, accusing it of failing to provide real support for farmers trying to cut emissions.
Speaking at the Agriculture & Climate Change: Science into Action conference at Dublin Castle today, Gorman said the State has produced “plenty of targets and reports,” but has no properly funded plan to back farmers making environmental improvements.
He said, ““There are endless documents and conferences,” he said, “but nothing concrete to actually support farmers on the ground. In fact, State inaction is doing more to inhibit progress than encourage it.”
He cited a string of failures including:
- Lack of initiatives to encourage feed or slurry additives that lower emissions
- A biomethane strategy he described as “not fit for purpose”
- Ongoing delays to planning exemptions for nutrient storage infrastructure
- Late ACRES payments
- A “totally failed” forestry programme
Gorman also criticised the Government’s failure to properly support the tillage sector, warning that bureaucracy and policy delays are blocking farmers willing to adapt to climate challenges.
“The vast majority of farmers are on board with reducing emissions,” he said. “But they’re getting no real help — just hurdles.”
The remarks come as the agriculture sector faces growing pressure to meet Ireland’s climate targets, amid increasing scrutiny of emissions from farming.
