According to the IFA, President Michael D Higgins has crossed a line by suggesting that people will need to alter their diets to adapt to climate change. This statement follows a recommendation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August, which suggested via its official Twitter account that people should reduce their meat consumption and try vegetarian meals instead. Farmers reacted strongly to this tweet, and now they feel that President Higgins has also gone too far.

Tim Cullinan, the President of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), expressed his disagreement with President Higgins’ comments on Newstalk Breakfast. He believes that dietary choices are a personal decision and should not be influenced by anyone, including the President. Mr. Cullinan stated that people are well-informed and capable of making their own choices regarding their diets.

Mr. Cullinan further asserted that President Higgins has overstepped the mark with his remarks. He expressed concern about anyone advocating for a particular type of diet, whether it be the President or consumers themselves. Mr. Cullinan highlighted that farmers have been working to address concerns about farming emissions, with a target of reducing methane emissions by 25%. According to the EPA, farmers have already achieved a 19% reduction and can further decrease emissions with additional measures and advancements in science. Mr. Cullinan believes that the target can be reached by 2030.

Regarding President Higgins’ comments, Mr. Cullinan expressed his desire to discuss these issues face to face. If the President attends The Ploughing, Mr. Cullinan will be there all day and would welcome the opportunity to meet and address the comments directly.

In conclusion, the IFA believes that President Higgins has gone too far in suggesting that people must change their diets due to climate change. They firmly assert that dietary choices should be left to individuals and that external influence, even from the President, is unnecessary. Additionally, Mr. Cullinan highlights the efforts made by farmers to address concerns about emissions and asserts that the target for reducing methane emissions can be achieved by 2030.