Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Peter "Chap" Cleere has said that farmers have "played their part more than any other sector" regarding Ireland's climate targets.

Deputy Cleere told Agriland today (Monday, February 24) that "farmers feel like they’re overplaying their part in terms of the nitrates derogation and carbon footprint.

"Farmers are more than happy to play their part, they’ve played their part more than any other sector, but they need to be supported to do that," Deputy Cleere added.

The TD also highlighted the important role that the farmers play in rural communities.

"What farmers contribute to the local economy, to schools, to the GAA clubs, and to sports - a vibrant agricultural economy is crucial for that," he said.

“Since I’ve gotten elected, I’ve had an awful lot of farmers that are struggling on to me," he added.

According to Deputy Cleere, it has become more difficult for young people to become full-time farmers.

"An awful lot of young farmers starting out, they can’t go full-time farming, they’re working as well. It’s just trying to balance working four days or five days a week, and actually farming at the weekends and evenings. 30 years ago, their father would have just farmed," he said.

The Fianna Fáil TD said there is a huge emphasis on agriculture in the programme for government.

Deputy Cleere said the government is committed to getting "the best possible deal for farmers" in the Mercosur deal.

"We need to make sure we are very strong in opposition to Mercosur. Agriculture in Ireland would be very different to agriculture across the rest of Europe. We need to go to the trenches on this one," he said.

"There is a realisation that rural communities and the agricultural industry have gone above and beyond. Perhaps there are other sectors and other industries that maybe need to step up to the plate as well," Cleere concluded.