Lakeland Dairies held separate meetings with An Taoiseach Simon Harris TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD at this year’s Tullamore Show.

Both meetings focused on the challenges facing the dairy sector including uncertainty over the nitrates derogation and the need for a coherent Government plan to support agriculture in reaching its climate target. 

The meetings involved Lakeland Dairies’ Chairperson Niall Matthews and Group CEO Colin Kelly. Speaking after the meetings, Niall Matthews thanked the Taoiseach and Minister McConalogue for their engagement. 

“Our meetings with An Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister McConalogue at the Tullamore Show were both constructive and crucial. Both men were highly engaged and understanding of the challenges facing agriculture and dairying at present. However, we impressed on both of them the difficulties and uncertainties the dairy sector is dealing with. 

“We were heartened to hear the Taoiseach say that he will lead a national effort to attempt to retain the derogation. He believes that the derogation is of national importance and, therefore, will be co-ordinated by his department in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture. 

“We made it clear to the Taoiseach and Minister McConalogue that our farm families are showing great leadership in the space of improving water quality. We know how important it is not only to maintain but also to improve our water quality standards. 

“We are leaders in the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and our farm sustainability programme Farming for a Better Future has proved hugely popular. Lakeland Dairies’ farm families have embraced the initiative with over 12,000 individual measures being implemented across our catchment area. These measures are making a tangible difference in reaching our climate ambitions. 

“Finally, we stressed the need for a clear and actionable road map from the government to help us achieve our 2030 climate targets in a balanced and fair manner. Lakeland Dairies farmers will do all they can to reach them, however, we are seriously concerned that we are yet to see a clear and tangible government plan and roadmap to help farmers achieve these targets. The support of the government is vital in ensuring that Irish agriculture can continue to thrive while also meeting our environmental responsibilities,” Niall Matthews said.