Ireland, a territory supported by dairy farming with a favorable environment and uncertain markets

Abstract

In 2008, Ireland experienced a severe economic and financial crisis, which forced it to develop a renewed economic strategy based on its natural assets and resources. Cattle and sheep farming have been promoted as sectors with a positive future particularly in view of their historical export orientation. In fact, 80 to 90% of milk and meat products are exported on the highly competitive worldwide market. With 92% of the agricultural area covered by grasslands, Irish ruminant production systems are based on the utilization of grazed grass. These low input systems facilitate moderate production costs and provide various environmental services due to the use of grasslands. As the removal of milk quotas and the increase in global food demand stimulate the development of Irish livestock farming, its development will have to take place under the umbrella of “sustainable intensification” to avoid damaging the environmental advantages and associated positive green image of grasslands.