'Demonised' farmers blame government for emissions rise

Negative commentary about agriculture emissions 'has not been helpful' according to ICMSA president Pat McCormack. File picture

Amid claims that they are being "demonised", farmers have said that the 5% increase in agricultural emissions in 2021, highlighted by the EPA, is a result of government policy to expand the sector.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) said emission increases in the dairy sector reflect decisions made by farmers after the government encouraged growth in the sector following the abolition of milk quotas in 2015.