Election 2024: Somebody needs to have farmers' backs

Friday's general election is coming at a pivotal time for Irish agriculture 

Lakeland Dairies chairman Niall Matthews. Lakeland posted badges to candidates asking them to back the dairy industry. Picture: Lakeland Dairies

These elections come against the backdrop of a pivotal time for Irish agriculture.

Many big and difficult conversations are underway — nutrient management rules, water quality, emissions targets, and veterinary medicines legislation, all under the spotlight… only for it all to be potentially undermined by the Mercosur agreement, an EU-free trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.