Summary

Ireland’s farmers have introduced more profitable / efficient breeds, e.g. the Holstein-Friesian, at the expense of Irish indigenous (native) stock. These now rare breeds, however, may have genetic traits that, if targeted, could potentially offer added benefits or essentially become a game-changer for the agricultural industry. 

The Irish Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environmental Scheme (GLAS) offers farmers an option to choose rare breeds as part of their on-farm GLAS Plan. The objective of this action is to encourage the maintenance of – and where possible increase – populations of specific rare breeds to ensure their long-term survival. 

 

Results

Currently, there are 49 119 active GLAS participants, and 2 % of farmers active in GLAS have selected the rare breed option as part of their GLAS Plan (approximately 980 farmers).