08 July 2022 Beef 2022 Forum The forum at Beef 2022 was an informative engaging event. It was addressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and was moderated by Ivan Yates. If you missed it or were unable to attend Beef 2022 there is a full recording below. The forum […]
08 July 2022
Beef 2022 Forum
The forum at Beef 2022 was an informative engaging event. It was addressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and was moderated by Ivan Yates. If you missed it or were unable to attend Beef 2022 there is a full recording below.
The forum can also be listened to as a bonus podcast episode of the Beef Edge podcast here below:
There was a lively discussion at the forum at the Beef 2022 Open Day in Teagasc Grange this week. It attracted an engaged audience and was opened by Teagasc Chair Liam Herlihy. He introduced and welcomed the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. The Minister addressed the forum dealing with a number of issues relevant to beef farming and agriculture in general. The minister advised that he was not in agreement with a recent economist who argued for a reduction in the beef herd in order to meet sectoral greenhouse gas emissions commitments.
In this regard, Minister McConalogue addressed the issue of climate change and the need for agriculture to reduce emissions by between 22% and 30%. The final figure is expected to be known by the end of July and he stressed that the reduction must allow Irish farmers to continue to produce world-class food.
The minister outlined the many support schemes for farmers that had been introduced since the start of the year. He also spoke about upcoming schemes including the new environmental scheme, ACRES and the highest ever level of support for organic development.
Minister McConalogue received and responded to a range of questions from the audience.
The minister’s address was followed by a forum on sustainable beef farming moderated by broadcaster Ivan Yates.
Professor Frank O’ Mara addressed the issue of environmental sustainability, recognising that climate change was the biggest issue of this generation. He discussed the work that Teagasc was doing and what was planned to assist farmers, in particular beef farmers, to meet whatever reduction targets will be set for agriculture whilst maintaining a productive beef farming sector.
Professor Alice Stanton of the Royal College of Surgeons and Devenish Nutrition spoke about health issues associated with the consumption of red meat. She set straight some reports that had associated the eating of red meat with a number of serious health issues. She offered evidence that showed the health benefits of eating red meat up to four times a week.
Market analyst Phelim O’Neill from the Irish Farmers Journal addressed the issue of markets for Irish beef. He advised that the impact of Brexit had not been felt yet, but was likely to be an issue in the coming years. He also offered opinions on the likely negative consequences of trade deals being done by both the UK and EU with Australia and New Zealand respectively.
Mayo Suckler farmer Michael Biggins dealt with the many issues facing beef farmers, particularly those farming on more marginal land, with limited options to change enterprise. He also discussed the many changes he had made to his farming over the years and the need now to focus on environmental issues. There was excellent interaction with and questions for all speakers.