Protecting the Land for the Next Farming Generation
7th December 2020
Jane Nolan, Insight & Planning Specialist, Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board
Back in September 662 Irish Farmers took time out of their working day to respond to an online survey sent to them by an independent research agency, Opinions.ie on behalf of Bord Bia. The main purpose of the research was to uncover their thoughts on the future of the agriculture sector, their attitudes towards sustainability and their willingness, or ability, to adopt more environmentally sustainable farming practices in the future. Their responses were very much in line with the ever growing consumer desire to buying more sustainably produced food from local producers. 3 in 4 Irish farmers believe the responsibility lies with themselves alone to reduce the impact farming has on the environment. 88% report feeling either somewhat or very confident in their understanding of and ability to adopt more sustainable farming practices. However they are looking for guidance to help them learn more about sustainability and report seeking guidance from bodies such as Teagasc, other farmers and reading online or watching TV programmes on the topic. They are open to even more guidance and say they are keen to stay abreast on the ever evolving topic.
Nine in ten farmers advised that they felt responsible for protecting the future of the land they farm for the next farming generation with close to 7 in 10 disagreeing with the statement that there is no benefit to them in improving their environmental sustainability. These findings should give great confidence to younger farmers in Ireland that older farmers are significantly engaged in evolving their farming practices, as 67% of respondents were aged 45 yrs and older. The main farming practices farmers believed make a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental sustainability of Irish farming included optimal fertiliser usage & nutrient management, reducing methane from slurry management, watercourse management and water quality and improving soil health. 31% of farmers believe that they need to facilitate greater biodiversity over the next three years.
One gets a sense from these research findings of a farming population who are keen to continue to evolve and adapt. As the pandemic continues Irish consumers are even more aware of the importance of our food chain and of self-sufficiency and how we are as a nation benefit from our location and climate to produce world class meats and vegetables. Our land facilitates that production and our farmers are the caretakers of this vital resource.