Dairygold hosted Ireland South MEPs Billy Kelleher, Sean Kelly and Michael McNamara at its recent “Farming for Water: To Protect Our Future” event on the farm of Dairygold milk supplier, Kevin & Margaret Twomey in Ballyhooly.
The event, on Friday, June 13 highlighted the work being done by Dairygold and its members as part of the River Blackwater Catchment Programme, to ensure the sustainability of the dairy industry in the region which is of vital economic importance to both the local region and the national economy.
Michael Harte, Dairygold Chief Executive, said that the the Farming for Water event is crucial for raising awareness of the important measures farmers are taking to improve water quality.
“It is vital that farmers are given the opportunity to demonstrate that these measures are successful. We’re delighted to be able to demonstrate the progress being made by Dairygold Milk Suppliers as part of our recently launched River Blackwater Catchment Programme here today,” Mr Harte said.
Host for the day Kevin Twomey, outlined his role in protecting local rivers and catchments.
“The River Blackwater runs through my farm and implementing effective nutrient management and protective measures is key in maintaining and improving the water quality status in the river, and everyone has a role to play,” Mr Twomey said.
LAWPRO, Teagasc and Dairygold representatives all spoke at the event and highlighted the work being done to improve water quality on farms across the Dairygold catchment area and provide evidence to further support the dairy industry’s calls for a retention of the EU Nitrates Derogation in Ireland.
The removal by the EU of its Nitrates Derogation would have a significant negative economic impact on milk processors and farmers, challenging the future viability of their businesses and severely negatively impacting the rural economy.
“This event demonstrates the leadership shown by Irish farmers in protecting water quality, trusting the science and building a more sustainable future. We now need continued policy support to let that progress continue,” Seán Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, said.
Billy Kelleher, MEP for Ireland South, said sustainability in Irish agriculture can only be achieved by working with farmers, not against them.
“What we have seen here today is a clear example of how farmers are stepping up to the challenge. We need to ensure we’re doing all that we can to support them,” he stressed.
Michael McNamara, MEP for Ireland South, said Ireland’s sustainability goals depend on farmers being ‘part of the solution’.
“Seeing the work being done at farm level today reinforces the importance of supporting these efforts for the future of the industry.”
