In a powerful demonstration, over 100 farmers, led by The Irish Farmers Association (IFA), descended upon Cork Airport and the location of the Cork County Council meeting on Monday. The convoy included more than 60 tractors, illustrating the farmers’ dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of agricultural policies. The IFA criticized the government’s focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector while air travel contributes to increased smog.
John Murphy, Chairman of the IFA National Environment Committee, argued that singling out the agricultural sector for production cuts was unjust. IFA President Francie Gorman, who recently met with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, strongly opposed restrictions on farmers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive efforts to address rising farming costs and reduce nitrate emissions. Gorman conveyed concerns about various issues, including VAT refunds, residential land tax, and work permits, underscoring the importance of collective action in tackling nitrate emissions. The protest sends a clear message that farmers demand fair and balanced policies from the government.