Farmers are looking at ways to reduce emissions and there are technologies coming on stream that will make a real difference, according to IFA President Tim Cullinan.
“The Environmental Protection Agency’s own analysis shows that with the additional measures (WAM) proposed in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, agriculture can achieve a reduction in emissions of over 22% by 2030 compared with 2018 which is within the sectoral ceiling range set by the Government,” he said.
“Farmers are changing their management practices to optimise efficiency and are using available technologies to reduce emissions, which will deliver significant reductions in the coming years.
“In addition, there is a significant body of scientific research and technological innovations emerging, such as feed additives and breeding technologies, which will help deliver reductions.
“The EU has recently approved an emissions-reducing feed additive and more are coming on stream. Advances are also being made in breeding and other areas,” he said.
“Article 2 of the Paris Agreement clearly identifies that global climate targets should not be achieved at the expense of food production. Now, more than ever, the world needs Irish food so our focus must be on reducing emissions per unit of output rather than on reducing output,” he said.
“The reality is that reducing food production in Ireland will lead to increased production in other countries with a higher carbon footprint, resulting in carbon leakage.