Farmers’ Protests and Climate Change: An Analysis of Irish Dairy Farms

Summary In 2023 and 2024, farmers across Europe, including in Ireland, staged protests. Low farm incomes and increasingly stringent environmental and climate policies were frequently cited as key drivers. By accounting for almost 38 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions, the agricultural sector is the largest contributor in Ireland to climate change. Reducing these emissions is therefore crucial for achieving Ireland's climate targets. This article examines why Irish dairy farmers protested and how protest participation relates to their views on climate change. Survey findings show that financial strain, excessive regulation and lack of recognition were the most frequently cited reasons for protesting, while frustration with environmental policy and a sense of being unfairly blamed for climate change were also commonly mentioned. Despite this, most farmers recognised the importance of addressing climate change, and over 90 per cent had already implemented at least one mitigation measure on their farms. Nonetheless, the perception of being disproportionately blamed for climate change is widespread. Overall, the findings suggest that resistance is directed less at the climate objectives themselves than at how policies are designed and communicated. Climate policy may more likely gain acceptance if farmers are treated as partners rather than culprits in the transition.