Our Strategic Focus

It’s Ireland’s heritage. 17,500 family dairy farms in Ireland, 60,000 Irish jobs and exports to more than 130 countries worldwide and more that €6bn for the Irish economy each year.

What about the environment and the contribution that agriculture makes to global emissions? Well, our dairy producers have been told to reduce their emissions by 25% by 2030 and that’s something they are completely committed to achieving.

Irish dairy farmers and Irish agricultural scientists are already taking action on the climate challenge. Up and down the country they’re doing things differently, thinking about their impact, embracing new ways of operating and developing world-leading technologies and farming practices.

Incorporating clover and other plants into our pastures reduces the amount of chemical fertiliser that’s needed lowering emissions, reducing run-off into our waterways and saving money for the farmer.

Irish breeding strategies allow our farmers to improve the genetic make-up of their cattle, potentially creating a lowemission cow. Research into feed supplements will also affect cows’ emissions the big question is how a grass-fed cow can be fed the supplements.

Demand for high-quality, nutritious dairy products is increasing and shows no slowing down. We rely on dairy for the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body. In Ireland, the government recommends three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt daily.