GIY founder and CEO Mick Kelly has called for food security to become a much bigger part of Ireland’s response to climate change.
Speaking to the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy ahead of COP31, Mick highlighted the vulnerability of Ireland’s food system, arguing that being a major agricultural exporter does not necessarily mean we can feed ourselves.
Around 80% of the calories we consume are estimated to be imported, while approximately 83% of fruit and vegetables consumed in Ireland come from abroad. At the same time, the number of commercial vegetable growers in Ireland has fallen from more than 600 in the 1990s to fewer than 70 today.
Mick called for greater ambition around domestic horticulture, including support for established commercial growers and the development of more small-scale, organic and regenerative local food farms. He also highlighted the importance of giving people, particularly children, the practical skills to grow and cook food.
Our three key asks are:
- Put food security and resilient food systems at the heart of climate adaptation.
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Rebuild domestic horticulture, supporting both commercial and smaller-scale growers.
- Recognise growing and cooking food as climate resilience skills and give every child the opportunity to learn them.
As Mick put it: “Food security is climate resilience.”
