Farmers and ecology groups clash over impact of Climate Change Bill

FARMERS and ecology groups have voiced starkly contrasting views on likely impacts on industry and the environment of the Climate Change Bill currently before the Oireachtas.

Due for a Seanad vote next Thursday, farm groups IFA, ICOS, ICMSA and MII say the bill will drive up food production costs and destroy potential for export growth. Stop Climate Chaos, Oxfam Ireland and Trócaire say it does not go far enough to halt climate change.

In a joint briefing yesterday, the IFA, ICOS and MII said they wanted “this rushed legislation” to be stopped due to the threat posed to the agri-food sector.