By Eddie Downey, former president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA)
Listening to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announce that the Covid-19 restrictions will remain in place until May 5, it’s clear to me how we can manage this crisis to effect the best outcome for our country.
Number one must be the health sector, the carers and the sick.
Farming too is regarded as an essential service – rightly so. However, there are major threats and challenges to be faced.
To overcome the significant difficulties ahead we need: the best marketing experts; safe and sound science; good, research-based advice; and proven, reliable technological information.
Only then will we emerge from this crisis as part of a strong and vibrant open economy.
As a former board member, I was there when the Origin Green concept was developed. That’s a concept that today underpins our vital image as we market our beef, lamb, milk, pigs and poultry across the world.
Surely now is the time that we need to protect and harness this image more than ever before.
While on the Teagasc board, the topic of nitrates was a major issue. Nevertheless, Teagasc stuck resolutely to pursuing a science-based solution and, backed by solid research, this view held sway in Europe.
I am confident that a similar science-based, research-backed approach will deliver a workable solution to climate change for Irish and European farmers.
But let’s be clear; emotion has no place in these negotiations.
Petty squabbles
As a poultry producer and cattle farmer I have, without doubt, benefited from what can be achieved by good, reliable genetic information.
The ICBF has collected this information and presented it in a workable format for farmers and breeders to enable them to take maximum advantage…and more of this is needed.
As new money is introduced over the coming Covid-19 recovery period our Government must ensure that small businesses – including farming – can avail of finance to rebuild at reasonable rates.
The EU must address food security seriously; short-term market supports must be put in place.
But, to be frank, the mocking or knocking of our institutions needs to stop.
We need to encourage and acknowledge their successes – and deal with their failings in-house in order to build strength at all levels. Do not undermine them.
Remember, when EU support is needed we will turn to our Polish compatriots in negotiations at European Commission level.
And, it is my hope, when the Beef Taskforce returns to the table to deal with the fallout it must work in a spirit of openness and common purpose (as the Beef Forum did in 2014) to protect our markets and keep our products moving.