Ms Monica Gorman:

We need to have something to aim for, which is the reason for targets. As Mr. McCaughey indicated, we must also accept that deep changes are needed. Agriculture is a critical part of the economy. I am from a farming background and spent the past four years working with Oxfam in Tanzania. I see both sides of the argument and I accept that this is a difficult circle to square. Our agriculture is becoming increasingly focused on livestock. While our dairy industry is extremely important for exports, we must have a vision involving a change in direction in the medium to long term.

How should agriculture be shaped from an economic, social and environmental point of view? We are asking whether there is scope for rebalancing and a shift in the agriculture sector. Further reductions in carbon emissions could be achieved in certain areas of the livestock sector, including through innovative technology such as the use of methane in energy production.

Irish farming has always responded well to the policy environment that supports it. In the past 30 or 40 years, Irish farmers have always adapted and changed in response to rural development policy and the Common Agricultural Policy. Our politicians must show vision and leadership by accepting that we cannot maintain intensive livestock-based agriculture and must move towards a more multifunctional type of agriculture. We must also realise that climate change will mean we will not have a strong agricultural sector. The fodder crisis earlier this year has been a wake-up call for everybody. Business as usual is not an option.