• Latest
  • Trending
The Irish Times view on the state of Irish farming: threats and opportunities

The Irish Times view on the state of Irish farming: threats and opportunities

September 20, 2018
HC asks NGO to respond to CBI plea in Talwar case

HC asks NGO to respond to CBI plea in Talwar case

February 20, 2019
UK Presses EU for Brexit Compromise

UK Presses EU for Brexit Compromise

February 20, 2019
Germany sees ‘most difficult part’ in EU-U.S. trade talks ahead

Germany sees ‘most difficult part’ in EU-U.S. trade talks ahead

February 20, 2019
European farms could grow green and still be able to feed population

European farms could grow green and still be able to feed population

February 20, 2019
Canadian pork exports to Mexico soar as trade wars bite U.S. farmers

Canadian pork exports to Mexico soar as trade wars bite U.S. farmers

February 20, 2019
Olive oil lubricates EU trade visit

Low returns and rural areas’ restrictions keep young Greek farmers away

February 18, 2019
Olive oil lubricates EU trade visit

Olive oil lubricates EU trade visit

February 18, 2019
Why Trump and his team want to wipe out the EU

The coffee farmers betting on blockchain to boost business

February 18, 2019
Why Trump and his team want to wipe out the EU

Rebooted Skellerup supplies European firefighters

February 18, 2019
Why Trump and his team want to wipe out the EU

Why Trump and his team want to wipe out the EU

February 18, 2019
Greenpeace Warns About ‘Dangerous’ Intensification of EU Farming

Greenpeace Warns About ‘Dangerous’ Intensification of EU Farming

February 17, 2019
France fears border lorry queues as it braces for no-deal Brexit

France fears border lorry queues as it braces for no-deal Brexit

February 17, 2019
-18 °c
Friday, February 22, 2019
Eco Daily News
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Politics
    • Politics
    • Green Policies
    • National Security
  • Economics
    • Green Economy
    • Oil & Gas, Mining
    • Finance & Banking
  • Environment
    • Water
    • Forests
    • Climate
    • Energy
    • Waste
    • Wildlife
  • Agriculture
    • Food
    • Farming
    • Palm Oil
    • GMO
  • Science
    • Research & Reports
    • Publications
  • Regions
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • North America
    • South America
    • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
    • Green education
    • Eco-Tourism
    • Health
    • Green Jobs
  • Home
  • Politics
    • Politics
    • Green Policies
    • National Security
  • Economics
    • Green Economy
    • Oil & Gas, Mining
    • Finance & Banking
  • Environment
    • Water
    • Forests
    • Climate
    • Energy
    • Waste
    • Wildlife
  • Agriculture
    • Food
    • Farming
    • Palm Oil
    • GMO
  • Science
    • Research & Reports
    • Publications
  • Regions
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • North America
    • South America
    • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
    • Green education
    • Eco-Tourism
    • Health
    • Green Jobs
No Result
View All Result
Eco Daily News
No Result
View All Result

The Irish Times view on the state of Irish farming: threats and opportunities

September 20, 2018
in Agriculture, Europe, Farming, Featured, News, Regions
0
Home Agriculture
Post Views: 139

 

Farming is a difficult, dangerous occupation. For those involved, developing a family business and working outdoors can be hugely satisfying, with the added bonus of being part of a tightly knit community. This optimistic face of Irish farming, with its many social interconnections, has been on display at the National Ploughing Championships at Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The arrival of Storm Ali, which affected electricity supplies across the country and forced the second day of the show to be abandoned, reflected the weather-dependent nature of farming. The opening day attracted nearly 100,000 people to the largest outdoor farming event in Europe. The last time “the ploughing” was disrupted in this fashion – more than 50 years ago – heavy snow forced the postponement.

Climatic events have been particularly challenging this year. Heavy February snowfalls and Storm Ophelia generated a long and unusually cold spring before this gave way to a hot and extremely dry summer. Soil moisture content plummeted in some areas, affecting grass growth, and a shortage of winter fodder now threatens. In the south and east, dairy farmers had to feed their animals with expensive concentrates and the State agency Teagasc has estimated that average dairy incomes will fall by as much as 50 per cent this year. The picture is bleak, but not black, because 2017 was an extremely good year for farmers, particularly in the dairy sector. Average farm incomes rose by 30 per cent to almost €32,000. Dairy farmers enjoyed an exceptional year, with average incomes rising by as much as 80 per cent, to €90,000.

International market prices and weather-related events are expected to wipe out those gains this year. Of particular concern too is the impact Brexit may have on the agri-food sector, which is heavily dependent on the UK market. A hard Brexit would impact directly on farm incomes and cross-Border trade would be affected. Farm supports under the Common Agriculture Policy could fall with the loss of the UK contribution.

Efforts are under way to find new markets and diversify exports. But it will take time to develop additional outlets and to identify particular consumer needs. The challenges posed by the sector’s contribution to Irish carbon emissions also remain unresolved.

At this stressful time, it is imperative that safety precautions on farms should receive the utmost attention. Twenty-four people died last year, making farming the most dangerous occupation in the State. A further 2,500 were injured, many seriously. Increased mechanisation, part-time farming, pressure of work and an ageing population contribute to these awful statistics. The ploughing championship offers a positive atmosphere in which to promote farm safety.

Source :

irishtimes

Tags: County OffalyEuropeIrish farmingScregganTeagascTullamore
ShareTweetShare
Next Post
State stands out in EU for biomethane potential, event hears

State stands out in EU for biomethane potential, event hears

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 − 1 =

Translate

Links

Popular Post

HC asks NGO to respond to CBI plea in Talwar case
Featured

HC asks NGO to respond to CBI plea in Talwar case

February 20, 2019
0

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked an NGO to respond to CBI’s plea seeking custodial interrogation of its former...

Read more
What are New Zealand’s environmental priorities over the next 20 years?

What are New Zealand’s environmental priorities over the next 20 years?

July 15, 2016
South China Sea Ruling: China Caused ‘Irreparable Harm’ to Environment

South China Sea Ruling: China Caused ‘Irreparable Harm’ to Environment

July 15, 2016
Climate change department shut down by Theresa May in ‘plain stupid’ and ‘deeply worrying’ move

Climate change department shut down by Theresa May in ‘plain stupid’ and ‘deeply worrying’ move

July 15, 2016
Animal shelter uses Pokémon Go craze to enlist volunteer dog walkers

Animal shelter uses Pokémon Go craze to enlist volunteer dog walkers

July 15, 2016
  • About Us
  • Creative Commons
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact Us

Topics

Follow Us

About Us

Ecodaily.eu is part of Eco Daily Media Group LLC, which delivers daily news around the globe.

© 2011 Eco Daily

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Politics
    • Politics
    • Green Policies
    • National Security
  • Economics
    • Green Economy
    • Oil & Gas, Mining
    • Finance & Banking
  • Environment
    • Water
    • Forests
    • Climate
    • Energy
    • Waste
    • Wildlife
  • Agriculture
    • Food
    • Farming
    • Palm Oil
    • GMO
  • Science
    • Research & Reports
    • Publications
  • Regions
    • Africa
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • North America
    • South America
    • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
    • Green education
    • Eco-Tourism
    • Health
    • Green Jobs

© 2011 Eco Daily