200,000 Irish cows identify as asylum seekers
By Pat Kenny
In 2011, the government, under Enda Kenny, recognising the immense potential of the Irish dairy sector, attracted a staggering €700 million investment that brought prosperity to farmers and rural communities. In a bewildering twist, however, the current Irish government want to stifle this thriving industry and crush the hard-earned income of dedicated farmers.
Let’s first recognise the truth: the triumph of the Irish dairy sector goes beyond government policies. It’s a testament to the exceptional quality of our ‘Origin Green’ programme, ensuring sustainability in food and drink. Irish farmers have poured their hearts and souls into producing top-notch products that have captured the hearts of customers worldwide. From the delightful taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream to the renowned Kerrygold butter, our indigenous industry has become a remarkable Irish success story.
In 2011, with the country struggling under the IMF programme, the government understood the significance of expanding the dairy sector for rural Ireland’s economy and the wellbeing of our citizens. They emphasised the need for our produce to be recognised globally as clean, green, and humane. As a result, we built one of the world’s most advanced and environmentally friendly dairy industries. Our farmers deserve immense credit for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and innovative practices that have driven this flourishing industry.
A revelation has struck the current government, however: cows emit methane through farting and burping. Therefore the government have declared a policy to remove 200,000 cows from the national herd, and not replace them. Despite the fact that methane, although a harmful greenhouse gas, dissipates after 10 years in the atmosphere, unlike carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, which takes up to 200 years to dissipate. There were more than 600 lobbyists from Big Oil at the COP27 climate conference in 2023. Farmers played little role in COP27 because they were too busy milking cows, harvesting crops, and feeding the world, providing us all with milk and porridge for breakfast.
The government’s policy reeks of hypocrisy. While they champion efficiency in areas like transportation and home electricity generation, they want to destroy one of the world’s most efficient dairy sectors on the planet – ours!
The policy of culling Irish cows to save the planet is proven ridiculous when compared to Brazil. Brazil plans to increase its national herd by more than 40 times the proposed Irish reduction in the next four years. A switch from Irish to Brazilian cows has no net advantage, doesn’t help the climate and punishes excellence.
Ireland excels at producing beef and dairy efficiently and sustainably, surpassing many global competitors. Brazil, for example, lacks Ireland’s Nitrates Directive, leading to pollution of land and waterways. Expansion of arable land often comes at the cost of established rainforests. Animal welfare laws in Brazil are virtually nonexistent, as exemplified by the tragic death of 2,700 cattle during transportation by ship in 2012.
The beef and dairy market knows no borders. Earth has only one atmosphere. Climate change is a global concern that demands global solutions. It makes perfect sense to produce these products in places that excel in efficiency and ethical standards – and Ireland stands as a prime example.
The Netherlands has shown the power of organised resistance against anti-farm measures. It’s our turn to follow suit. The government’s proposed course of action jeopardises our farmers, defies their own track record and previous statements, and does absolutely nothing to address global climate issues.
• Pat Kenny is a member of Inklings Writing Group, who meet on Tuesdays at 10.30am in the Annebrook House Hotel.