Thread by @CookePhoebe

🟡NEW 🟡

Our @DeSmog team has spent months investigating the network around Ireland’s intensive farming lobby – here’s what we found... 🧵

our interactive map details 100s of connections btw dozens of orgs within Ireland – from large dairy processors to policy groups, media outlets, sustainability initiatives and research bodies…

the intensive ag sector is responsible for 38% of national ghg emissions & is preventing it meeting climate targets -- while damaging Ireland's air, waterways and soils

the map illustrates how the state’s pro-growth dairy strategy – led by Teagasc – is enabled through the revolving doors & close connections to other sectors, incl industry

the intensive farming sector is currently lobbying for a retention of ireland’s nitrates derogation, backed by Taoiseach Simon Harris – who last week told a tent full of farmers that Ireland’s nitrates derogation is ‘a national asset’

but we spoke to a number of farmers who say they are struggling to contend with the prices set by a monopoly of major meat and dairy processors – and who want to convert to a more sustainable farming practice

this is our first article in a new series investigating the power of agribusiness in Ireland – with new profiles on three organisations - IBEC, Teagasc and the Irish Farming Association

desmog.com/irish-farmers-…

huge thanks to the dozens of experts, journalists, and farmers who gave us their time & vital insights

and to the brilliant @desmog team who worked on this @hazel_healy @swimsure @MicHerrmann @JoeyGrostern @Brigitte_WHL

desmog.com/2024/09/25/map…

great to see our investigation covered in the @IrishMirror today by @ShaunaReports irishmirror.ie/news/irish-new…

You can read more about our series here – please get in touch with your tips and feedback.

desmog.com/ireland-agribu…