Agriculture and associated commercial ventures contribute much of the emissions currently produced in Waterford. While these sectors are essential to the economic wellbeing of the county it is unfortunately a reality that this is simply unsustainable, and the continued focus on the minority of emissions produced by individuals and households is placing too high a burden on the lowest emitters.
Waterford is in an excellent position relative to the rest of the country when it comes to transitioning to more sustainable farming practices, with climate and soils ideally suited to a variety of tillage and crops, however 93% of farms in this TEAGASC advisory region are cattle, dairy, or sheep. It is impossible to address Waterford’s carbon output without a realistic appraisal of this and we will fail in targets without transitioning a sizable percentage of our agricultural industry away from animal husbandry, even with current plans to make to make the industry as efficient as possible. To put it incredibly simply, there are too many cows.
Increasing access to information and funding for farmers to a degree where it is truly viable to pivot is not a small ask but it is essential. Meatless Mondays won’t change an industry, investment will.