After the European elections, Irish farmers were faced with increased “climate pressure” from the government and the European Union.

The government has already made it clear that it will seek to adopt the environmental agenda of the Green Party. Further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (ATS) is expected to follow the growth of Greens support that has swept the continent in European elections.

Greens are expected to look for ways to reduce cattle numbers, step up activities to improve biodiversity and increase afforestation as part of their political agenda.

Further action by green candidates in Europe will increase pressure on CAP reform, with emphasis on environmental considerations. EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan yesterday, May 27, warned that farmers should be ready for a “big leap forward” in the fight against climate change.

“I would tell farmers not to be afraid of climate change initiatives, but to interact with them,” he said at the annual Irish Rural Link conference in Athlone.

Hogan also added that participation in EU and government climate measures will increase farmers' income opportunities. “In the climate debate, rural areas are increasingly seen as having great potential to solve the problems of the climate crisis,” the European Commissioner said.