CSO's new index on environmental impact of agriculture prompts backlash from dairy farmers
The platform aims to provide comprehensive data on the environmental impact of agriculture in Ireland in relation to environmental factors such as land use, biodiversity, climate, soil health, and water quality.
A new Agri-Environment Indicator launched this week by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has already come under fire from dairy farmers.
The platform aims to provide comprehensive data on the environmental impact of agriculture in Ireland in relation to environmental factors such as land use, biodiversity, climate, soil health, and water quality.
According to the CSO, this resource will serve as a central hub for up-to-date statistics, aligning with Ireland’s Cao Strategic Plan and Climate Action Plan.
New one-stop-shop for key Agri-Environment Indicator Resourcehttps://t.co/IitWktvqb5#CSOIreland #Ireland #Agriculture #Agribusiness #Farming #Prices #AgPrices #Livestock #Cattle #Sheep #Pigs #MilkStatistics #MilkProduction #Dairy #Milk #Tillage #Agronomy #CensusofAgriculture pic.twitter.com/aeGSRwhCZJ
— Central Statistics Office Ireland (@CSOIreland) February 25, 2025
Dr Nele van der Wielen, statistician in the CSO's agriculture section, said: “Agri-environmental indicators are essential tools for understanding the dynamic relationship between agriculture and the environment.
"This one-stop-shop provides easy access to a comprehensive list of agri-environmental indicators across various themes monitored and reported by the CSO. These indicators will help inform users on Ireland’s progress in meeting policy goals.”
A spokesperson for the CSO added the platform would be continuously expanded as new data became available.
However, the launch has drawn criticism from the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), which has questioned the CSO’s apparent focus on agriculture, claiming other high-emission sectors have received less scrutiny.
ICMSA president Denis Drennan acknowledged the importance of environmental data but expressed frustration farming was being singled out for in-depth analysis.
“We feel compelled to ask where the announcement of a transport indicator resource is, given that the Government’s own figures show agriculture emissions fell by around 4.5% last year, while transport emissions not only failed to decline but actually increased,” he said.
“Farming will play its part, but we will not allow a situation where the farming sector is asked to carry other sectors’ burdens. If there is a deep dive into agriculture, the same should apply to other sectors."
