DEAR EDITOR

The contribution that dairy farming makes to the national and local economies is very significant and constant.

In your editorial week ending 5 July, you make a strong case for further expansion of this industry.

Matt Dempsey in the same edition, by coincidence, makes an equally compelling case.

To add to this at the excellent Moorepark open day, Cork dairy farmer Kevin Twomey replied to a question from the audience at the forum in a very positive way as to the benefits to local areas that dairy brings.

A note of caution was expressed at the same forum by Laura Burke of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the dangers of increased dairy on the environment. While she is correct to do so, the last few years show us that we can do both, ie grow the industry and protect and enhance the environment.

We must never take this for granted and more State aid and targeted support will be repaid in many ways. The main point is that these two things are not mutually exclusive: a well-cared-for environment and a vibrant growing industry.

During the preparation for expansion in dairying post quotas in 2015, the Food Harvest committee discussed the positive impacts that would result in dairy growth. If anything, the benefits were underestimated at that time. Studies more recently support these findings.

I’m not privy to the figures, but I suggest that a very large percentage of the milk being produced today is “post quota” milk, be it from expansion or “new” milk. Our industry today would be very weakened without this milk.

It is necessary for the continued vitality and strength of this sector to plan for the future. Natural attrition and normal demographics remove farmers due to the natural rhythm of life – we should ensure that we keep the supply of farmers, milk and better environment on an upward trajectory.