FARMING IS ONE of the world’s oldest professions.
Using the land as a food source goes almost all the way to the beginning of civilisation. People across the world relied on farmers to produce food for everyone else.
Dairy has been part of Irish life and Irish culture for over 6,000 years. Today, dairy farming and dairy processing sustains 17,500 family-run dairy farms and supports 55,000 Irish jobs.
We don’t consume all we produce domestically and Ireland exports dairy to over 130 countries, delivering €6.3 billion to our economy each year.
Of course, this isn’t the whole story. Irish agriculture – including Irish dairy – accounts for around 37% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and the government has tasked the sector with reducing its emissions by 25% by 2030.
In 2022, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 1.2%. In addition, there’s an increasing focus on improving water quality and biodiversity, both of which will require continued commitment and adaptability from farmers up and down the country.
So how much you know about the Irish dairy industry and the things being done to ensure its future? Take this quiz to find out.
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