Minister Sean Sherlock: Farmers ‘must be ready for climate change’

Irish farmers will have to prepare for a future with fewer small holdings and greater diversification away from beef and dairy as the country comes under growing pressure to tackle the causes of climate change, a minister has warned.

Minister for Development and Trade Sean Sherlock also said Ireland would have to expect criticism for seeking to protect domestic agricultural output while fronting campaigns to reduce carbon emissions globally.

“You can’t talk about the laudable things that we’re doing in one region of the globe without taking responsibility in relation to the effects of climate in our own country,” said the minister in charge of Irish Aid which works with the victims of climate change in developing countries.