European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) president Séamus Boland today (Thursday, July 23) hosted European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall on his family farm Co. Offaly.

The pair discussed sustainable farming, biodiversity and the future of rural communities.

The beef farm in Ballycumber, managed in partnership with Séamus's son Jamie, uses only natural and non-chemical fertilisers as part of its sustainable farming practices.

The farm also participates in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).

Séamus Boland's farm has been owned by his family since 1890. He took over its day-to-day running aged 14 in 1970 after his father became unwell.

Today, the 32ha farm has 51 heifers for beef production, as well as around 25 sheep at certain points of the year.

Farm

Commenting on the visit, President Boland said: “It was a genuine pleasure to welcome Commissioner Roswall to my farm and to show how farmers are helping to protect the environment and biodiversity while continuing to produce quality food.

"Farmers and rural communities must be at the heart of Europe’s green transition," he said.

Commissioner Jessika Roswall is in Ireland for the EU Council meeting of European environment ministers in Dublin.

"Today’s visit showed how the European green transition is delivered not only through policy, but through the farmers who care for our landscapes every day.

"They show that protecting nature and supporting rural communities go hand in hand when all stakeholders are part of the solution," she said.

Irish EU Presidency

The current Irish EU Council Presidency, which runs until the end of 2026, comes at a crucial juncture for the future of European agriculture.

At the request of the Irish government, the EESC is working on an opinion on the EU Livestock Strategy.

Boland, who is a former CEO of Irish Rural Link, will present the document at the EU Council meeting of Agriculture ministers in Dublin in September.

It is among several EU Council ministerial meetings which he will address during the course of the Irish EU Presidency.

The EESC, which has 329 members, is viewed as being representative of "civil society" and is consulted by the EU institutions on matters relating to a wide range of areas relating to economic development and social issues.