“ICSA Beef chair John Cleary has said that advice from the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) suggesting farmers should be further supported in meeting climate change targets is welcome. ‘ICSA has been hugely critical of the lack of real and meaningful financial supports for farmers, particularly around reducing the age of slaughter. Farmers are sick of being told that reducing the age of slaughter is an easy and cost-neutral ask when clearly it is not,” he said.

Mr Cleary said reducing the age of slaughter comes with significant financial implications for farmers. “It requires accelerated growth rates, which necessitate higher feed costs and more intensive management, particularly if we are being expected to take on more dairy bred calves. Additionally, the infrastructure needed to support this shift – such as enhanced housing and feeding systems – requires substantial investment.

These are costs that place an additional burden on farmers, who are already grappling with tight margins and low incomes. Therefore, any move to implement such measures must be accompanied by targeted financial support. As part of our budget submission ICSA has sought a Beef Carbon Efficiency Payment worth up to €150/head for feeding and weighing animals between 12-24 months with the target of early finishing, to a maximum 150 animals. This must now be given serious consideration.”

Mr Cleary was critical, however, of the CCAC advocating for a reduction in meat consumption. “Simplistic calls to cut meat consumption ignore the complexities of human nutrition and undermine the vital role of livestock farming in rural economies and sustainable agriculture. Any dietary recommendations must be based on sound science and consider the realities of farming and nutrition, rather than on questionable studies that have been widely criticised and debunked for flawed methodologies and for overlooking the nutritional value of meat in a balanced diet.”

ENDS