Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We need to see enhanced biodiversity but we cannot have that without reduced intensity in farm practices. Is that statement generally true? On farm practices, in many areas such as the west of Ireland, in agri-forestry no field is bigger than 2 acres and has a large hedgerow around it. Farmers are frustrated that they do not get the recognition for what they naturally do. Nobody is asking them to farm in that way; that is the way they farm. They get no recognition for that. Yet in other areas there is much more intensive farming. There is an unfair balance in that respect. Can more be done to enhance the work that farmers already do in that type of farm environment?