Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have never suggested we dismantle the industry but I am saying we should manage it a little better. It is a great industry and I am not saying otherwise. We are nonetheless heading in a direction where, currently, we are probably overproducing. I can guarantee the Minister that the beef price will be lower this time next year because of increasing numbers.

An Taisce stated recently that the increases in beef and dairy volume and exports are undercutting food security and promoting overconsumption both in the European Union and international markets, where increased overconsumption has and will continue to intensify climate change. It argues that unless the agricultural sector makes significant strides to change the direction of its actions, the agrifood industry in Ireland will continue down a path of unsustainability to meet short-term economic gains at the cost of long-term issues like environmental degradation, climate change and the continuation of the negative cycle of poor food security. I do not for one minute underestimate the role of agriculture in Ireland, how good are our farmers or the quality of food we produce. Nevertheless, we are ignoring the elephant in the room and if we go in this direction, we will not address the challenges of climate change in Ireland.

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