The Climate Bill must not undermine the continued viability of sustainable farming across Kerry.
That's the view of Deputy Government Chief Whip and Kerry Fine Gael TD, Brendan Griffin.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 is currently going through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Deputy Griffin says farmers in Kerry are very climate aware and they want to pass on a sustainable and viable farm to the next generation; he says they've taken measures to ensure increased sustainability in their production.
The Fine Gael TD says it's crucial commercial farm families are supported by the bill to ensure they, the group that can most affect change and strengthen sustainability, are not alienated by this legislation.
He says measures and more sustainable methods are already in place by Kerry farmers and believes carbon budgets will play a real role in helping achieve our emissions targets, but says they must take into account the measures already taken by farmers.
Deputy Griffin says the agri-food sector is our most important indigenous industry, providing 173,000 jobs nationally and accounting for 10% of Irish exports. Agriculture is crucial to our rural economy and the income generated is spent locally, Deputy Griffin says.
Deputy Brendan Griffin believes the way to achieve balanced rural development is to ensure the viability of family farming in Kerry, and across the country.
