Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Penrose's final sentiment. If Brexit turns out to be much nicer than we think, I will not give the Government the credit for it but if it turns out to be a disaster, I will not blame it either because we are in the hands of the Brits and they do not even know what they want themselves. It will not be our fault or credit.

The Minister said developing new markets and growing existing markets based on market insights is one of the themes of Food Wise 2025. We had a little debate about food exports to Iran in the House last week and the Minister intimated Iran buys cheaper from Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, which it does, but it wants beef of a higher quality, which Ireland has. We should be looking to export to Iran. We should also get over ourselves and get out of the nonsense of sanctions against Russia, get back on good terms and sell beef and lamb there.

Even if Brexit were not happening, as I have pointed out here over recent years, there are massive challenges facing the way we farm in this country. Our overdependence on dairy and cattle is problematic in a number of ways, not just environmentally. It can also be problematic because of the knock-on effect on exports. Global warming will bring more unfavourable and unpredictable weather in the future and we have seen repeated fodder shortages. This is all the more reason we should control the numbers in dairy and beef and we should not have allowed the numbers to go so high. The numbers will need to be reduced in the long term.

The Department repeatedly makes the claim that we do beef and dairy better so it is irresponsible to allow other producers to fill the space we occupy in the market. Not only are these claims unsupported by evidence but a number of recent reports have highlighted how we are nowhere near being the most emission efficient producers in the field. Professor Alan Matthews of Trinity College pointed out recently that a UN Food and Agricultural Organization study found Irish greenhouse gas emissions per kg of milk are the fourth highest in the EU, exceeded only by Poland, Estonia and Bulgaria.

There are advantages to be won as this can be seen as an opportunity. We cannot continue the way we are going because it is not sustainable. What we have seen regarding beef prices is a perfect example of the fact that we need to have a better handle on how we do things. We also have to reduce the size of herds. Global warming can be seen as an opportunity. Parts of Ireland could be suitable for growing different produce that may not have been a runner previously. Some people are starting to grow wine and hemp and these are perfect examples.

Organic farming should be a priority for the Department and it has many positive effects. People such as the Llewellyns and McNallys in north Dublin and the Dennisons in Waterford are good examples of how well things can be done. Much of the agricultural land in Ireland has been depleted through intensive farming over the years and organic farming can address this. The insect population is in free fall and organic farming can also address this. There are increased CAP payments for smaller herd numbers if they are raised organically, meaning there are supports from Europe to make the transition. The land can be protected, the herd can be reduced and space can be freed up to diversify what farmers produce. Farmers can look for a premium for a better, healthier and more climate friendly product.

Currently, only 1% of farmers grow vegetables, the lowest in the EU, and we have only 2% organic produce from the agricultural sector. We are food insecure. We even import two thirds of our animal feed from abroad, more than any other EU country. With regard to vegetables, I believe in protecting Irish farmers and the price they get for their vegetables. We should stop the bags of carrots coming in for 45 cent. The Minister should go around Italy and see whether he sees a HiAce van. Italy ignores the EU rules on it and protects Fiat. It would not let HiAces in and it never has. We would not see one there because Italy protects Fiat.

See this speech in context