Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the proactive approach the Minister is taking. I agree with Deputy Carthy that we need a more robust, short-term solution. When we are talking about medium- and long-term solutions, it is important to acknowledge that difficult times like this can also be opportunities. Farmers, as we know, are some of the most innovative people. The Department needs to look at ways of embedding methods and efficiencies which are coming out of the rising costs of fertiliser. Slurry and farmyard manure can be used in low phosphorous and potassium index areas. There are other options, such as grazing management and multi-species swards, which the Minister talked about. We also know it is long proven that cover crops of clover fix more nitrogen than those chemical imports on which farmers are spending so much money. We have knowledge transfer programmes and that fact should be embedded into them immediately so farmers can start learning how to do it. Farms need to be supported to move to this more sustainable model. It must happen now. We need more short-term solutions.

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