The documentary project World Without Cows, commissioned by Alltech, has spawned an Irish companion film, World Without Cows: The Pasture Paradox, which explores Ireland‘s pasture-based dairy landscape.
The mini-documentary examines how the grass-fed dairy industry operates within environmental and economic constraints, with Ireland producing some of the most carbon-efficient dairy products in the world. Home to some 1.6 million cows, the country’s dairy export industry is valued at €7.3 billion, and supports around 60,000 jobs.
‘Strengths and responsibilities’
“The Pasture Paradox [shows] a sector that understands both its strengths and its responsibilities,” commented Tara McCarthy, vice president of ESG at Alltech. “Grass-based production, family farming and strong assurance systems are real assets to Irish dairy.
“But today’s conversation has also reinforced something equally important: that having a low global footprint does not exempt us from local accountability, particularly when it comes to water quality and environmental outcomes at catchment level.”
As the film notes, global demand for animal protein is projected to rose 20% per capita by 2050, with Ireland well-positioned to meet this demand in a responsible manner, given its mild climate, high rainfall, and fertile soils.
At the same time, maintaining the productivity of Ireland’s pastures requires nitrogen, which has implications for water quality – creating tensions associated with maintaining output levels.
Panel discussion
A recent private screening and panel discussion of The Pasture Paradox brought together leaders from across the Irish agri-food industry to discuss Ireland’s role in future dairy output. The panel included Tom Cronin, executive director, Our Food Roots; Niall Moore, farmer; Dr. Lisa Koep, chief ESG officer, Tirlán; Dr. Laura Burke, former director general, EPA; and Alltech’s McCarthy.
“Farmers have always been incredibly adaptable and innovative, and that gives me hope that they can face future challenges,” said Tirlán’s Koep. “Incentivising change is very important too for sustainable solutions. A lot of these solutions have costs associated with them and we need to explore how the co-ops, policy-makers and government can help make some of these solutions better value.”
Elsewhere, Moore, a farmer, noted that the industry is eager to continue to improve, despite recent challenges. “I really believe in the quality of the milk we produce,” he said.
For more information, visit worldwithoutcows.com/ireland
