Anger Among Clare Farmers At Report Calling For Reduction In Red Meat Consumption

Picture © Pat Flynn

Local farming representatives have reacted angrily to a new report which has stated that there needs to be a significant reduction in our consumption of red meat

The report states the cut is needed to tackle climate change and improve global health.

Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:

CONTINUE READING BELOW

This week’s study by EAT-Lancet Commission states that in order to safeguard the planet, our entire diet needs to shift away from red meat and sugar.

The changes would represent a 90% reduction in red meat and milk consumption in Ireland, a 70% reduction in chicken, as well as cuts in the amount of potatoes and some other vegetables eaten here.

As well as being good for the climate, the report argues, it states we could also avert around 11 million deaths every year.

But it has been causing concern among beef farmers in Clare – Eddie Punch is General Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association.

Any reduction in the amount of beef eaten could impact suckler farmers here in Clare, but another local farming representative hopes it will never come to that.

However, Martin McMahon – the county chair of the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association – thinks the aging profile of farmers could pose an even bigger threat.