Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, told RTÉ’s Prime Time last night that no farmer will be forced to cut their herd as a result of the carbon emission reduction plan.
Farmers are to be asked to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels, under new Sectoral Emissions Ceilings announced by the government yesterday.
He denied that the 25% agriculture sector target would entail a 13% decrease in the beef herd and 11% in dairy cattle, as reported in the Irish Farmers Journal.
The minister said that he had already worked with farm organisations on a “detailed plan” for a 22% reduction in emissions.
He vowed to continue to work with farm representatives to figure out how to “stretch” that plan to a 25% reduction.
Mr McConalogue said farmers will be able to make a significant contribution to energy supplies, in areas such as solar and biogenic methane.
This could contribute 15% of Ireland’s national gas requirement by the end of the decade.
The minister said that he would work to put measures in place to improve farm family incomes and back work to reduce emissions.
Earlier, he told a press briefing: “This 25% target reflects a very challenging but achievable ambition for the farming sector.”
The IFA had warned the target was a “potentially devastating blow for Irish farming and the rural economy”.
Minister McConalogue said: “Our Ag-Climatise roadmap will be updated as soon as possible, which will incorporate new recommendations from the Food Vision Dairy and Beef committees.
“The sector needs a clear roadmap going forward and my ambition is to progress this process this autumn.”
He added: “I have already configured our supports, such as the CAP strategic plan and support in areas such as for Low Emissions equipment and for on-farm energy production towards achieving these targets. This will continue and farmers will be supported in their ambition.”
