Press Release
Minister Pippa Hackett publishes video on Organic Dairy Farming
Says, in the week of the Climate Action Plan, Organics offers options to farmers
Urges dairy farmers to consider going organic
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Pippa Hackett has published a video showing how a farm on the Wexford Carlow border is managing its conversion to organic dairy farming.
In the short 4 minute video, farm owner Marie-Pascale Pollard and farm manager Kevin O’Hanlon explain to Minister Hackett how they came to the decision to go organic and what the implications of the decision are.
Speaking of what she saw, Minister Hackett said:
‘In the very week we published the Climate Action Plan I hope many dairy farmers will have a look at the video and see what’s possible. I think Marie-Pascale and Kevin explain what they are doing and why really well and I certainly found their operation absolutely fascinating. The multi species sward that the cattle were grazing was luscious and their sileage and feed operation was impressive, showing just how quickly they are going to be completely self-sustainable.’
Referring to another intensive dairy farm she also visited recently, where the farmer, while not fully organic, uses no chemical fertiliser at all, Minister Hackett continued:
‘I really believe the future for many intensive dairy farmers can be to go organic. Stocking numbers may reduce a little but input costs will come down hugely, and farmers will also have the satisfaction of knowing they are farming with nature. Farming this way fits really well with the Climate Action Plan too, given its focus on reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and on supporting organic farming. It is also the case that consumers are seeking out organic produce, so taking this path can be a win, win for everyone."