A new investigation by DeSmog reveals the far-reaching influence of Ireland's meat and dairy lobby, mapping its connections to state bodies, government, trade associations, universities, and even the media. The organization accuses these groups of hindering ambitious climate action and potentially derailing EU environmental goals.
The far-reaching influence of Ireland ’s powerful meat and dairy lobby has been laid bare for the first time. DeSmog, which challenges public relations 'pollution' clouding climate science and action, has mapped every link between the Irish farm lobby and state bodies, government, trade associations, universities and even the media.
Dr Elaine McGoff, head of advocacy at An Taisce, said: "The intensive agriculture sector in Ireland is incredibly effective at lobbying and using their platform to push a false message of sustainability. In 2020 it employed around 163,600 and exports about 90 per cent of produce, accounting for 11 per cent of Irish exports.
As part of DeSmog’s investigation into the influence of the farming lobby, they also looked at the impact Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Irish Farmers Association are having on Ireland’s climate ambitions. Annual Environmental Protection Agency reports highlight Ireland’s "abject failure" to improve water quality, with 46 per cent of our rivers, lakes and groundwaters in an unsatisfactory condition in 2023, with no real change from the previous year.
DeSmog’s research also highlighted how the IFA’s largest agribusiness groups joined forces to launch a coordinated lobbying push to retain its nitrates derogation ahead of an EU Commission visit to Ireland last week despite the ongoing effects the derogation is having on water quality. She says: "It is clear the real beneficiaries of the current model are corporations and exporters and a small number of derogation farmers.
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