Manorhamilton Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Justin Warnock, is urging individuals in North Leitrim to “take the lead” and “get the meitheal going” by rising potatoes and different greens to minimise anticipated meals shortages.
Addressing the March assembly, Cllr Warnock mentioned that everybody could be very conscious of the horrible struggle impacting Ukraine.
“In only a few weeks 10m have been displaced and greater than 3,000 Ukraine residents have arrived in Eire,” he mentioned.
He mentioned that this battle will even have a knock on affect on meals provide throughout Europe noting that Ukraine and Russia each provide a lot of the wheat for flour for the remainder of Europe.
The Cathaoirleach introduced a movement on the assembly saying that “following the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday twenty fourth of February and the intense world repercussions which have ensued, the meals safety of our nation is now threatened, so due to this fact I ask farmers, rural dwellers and everyone who has entry to a chunk of land within the Manorhamilton Municipal District to get the meitheal going and take the nationwide lead in rising potatoes and different greens to minimise any meals shortages which may develop in our communities later this yr.
He inspired households to take inspiration from occasions previous and develop their very own greens equivalent to potatoes in a bid to change into extra self reliant.
“Years in the past many households in Leitrim grew their very own greens however we now have change into very depending on supermarkets. It might be nice for Leitrim and for Eire if we have been capable of change into extra self-sufficient,” he mentioned.
“Already we are able to see the affect of Brexit in Northern Eire with sure objects not out there on cabinets in Northern Eire. It would not take a lot for us to see related shortages in Eire.”
Cllr Felim Gurn agreed noting that meals shortages have been inevitable in gentle of what’s occurring in Europe.
“We’ve got not realized from Covid once we have been unable to supply masks and ventilators from China. We must always have realized then the significance of being self-sufficient, however we did not,” he mentioned.
Cllr Frank Dolan mentioned he supported the movement however mentioned in apply “this would possibly not occur instantly”.
“Within the East and the South farmers are being inspired to show to tillage however this would possibly not occur in a single day,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless Cllr Warnock identified “meals shortages will occur in a single day”.
“At the very least if individuals plant a number of greens then households can change into partially self reliant. Meals safety is paramount.”
Cllr Sean McDermott mentioned that there was an enormous shift in society between the previous few generations.
“Years in the past you solely wen to the retailers to get tea and sugar. All the things else you grew or raised your self, particularly in rural areas,” he mentioned.
“It has to do with the price of producing meals,” famous Cllr Mary Bohan. “Meals bought to be so low cost. It was truly cheaper to purchase than for households to supply.”
Cllr Felim Gurn advised utilising group gardens in native areas to encourage extra individuals to develop produce.
“Individuals are being subsidised to develop Sitka Spruce and that has no worth to the nation. Possibly the Authorities ought to take the cash type that sector and put it into producing meals. North Leitrim is pretty much as good a spot as any to place out the decision,” noticed Cllr Warnock.