Talk of a cull of up to 200,000 dairy cows over the next three years to meet climate targets is 'by no means necessary.'
That's according to Pat McCormack, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).
He was responding to a figure seen by the Irish Independent from internal Government documents.
It said up to 65,000 dairy cows may have to be removed from the national herd every year for three years at a cost of €200 million.
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Mr McCormack rejected this approach.
"This figure is a figure that could be correct if absolutely nothing else was done," he said.
"The reality of it is I was deeply involved in the Dairy Vision Group, where we set about putting together a framework to deliver on our targets.
"There may be an opportunity there for a voluntary cull; it was recommended to the Minister, but by no means a 200,000 cow cull necessary".
'Arated a lot of famers'
Mr McCormack said there are other options being put in place.
"The reporting coming from that was one of the options that could be used would a voluntary reduction scheme/exit scheme," he said.
"Equally I suppose that has aerated a lot of suckler farmers out there, who feel they're being forgone the opportunity to play their part when the environmental impact perspective has been moved forward.
"That Dairy Vision Group was filled with information and opportunity that is coming onboard in the next number of years in the form of science.
"Whether that's low emission slurry, spreading protected urea, high EBI methane emissions reduction in the genetics of the herd: all these things can deliver".
Mr McCormack said talk of a cull is 'frustrating' for the agri-industry.
"We're the one industry with a significant roadmap, and to be quite honest with you our herd isn't any larger than it was 25/30 years ago.
"Can the same be said for the transport industry, can the same be said for the aviation industry?" he added.
Listen back here:
