Pressure is mounting on Irish agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the Environmental Pillar withdraws from the 2030 Agri-Food Strategy committee. In a letter to the Department of Agriculture, the 32-member group said the draft “falls far short” on delivering “early, steady and permanent cuts” in emissions and air pollution; to protect water quality and biodiversity; and to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and rural areas. “It simply does not do this, instead it is business as usual… the strategy is not something our members can stand over or support,” the Environmental Pillar wrote. While Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said it was "regrettable" the Environmental Pillar exited and encouraged them to re-engage, he would not confirm whether the planned publication of the 10-year strategy will go ahead this month.