Time to reconsider the entire model of intensive agriculture in Ireland

Despite protests from farmers, the Dutch have proven that it is possible to produce twice as much food from half the resources – can we learn from the Dutch model?

'Farming is facing a huge crisis and the dairy sector facing wipe-out,' warns Independent rural Michael Collins.

The recent Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss identified farmers as the ‘custodians of the land’ and that the agriculture industry must be supported in conserving and restoring biodiversity.

At the same time, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice is calling for a new party to represent farmers and rural Ireland. Independent rural TDs Richard O’Donoghue, Michael Collins, and Mattie McGrath are reported to have already begun putting a party together to focus on housing, health, and especially agriculture.