Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
461. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that agricultural production volumes here will not be impaired in the course of climate change measures, which are necessary as is food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56238/23]
View answerMy position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve Ireland's climate targets.
Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out the pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the sector and Climate Action Plan 2024, which is nearing finalisation, will build on this approach. These measures are grouped around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land.
To this end, the CAP Strategic Plan will support farmers in delivering more sustainable practices while also supporting family farm incomes, with a budget of €9.8bn. In addition, I have provided €1.5bn for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256m to triple the agricultural area under organic production. A further €260m has been provided to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement.
Some livestock farmers will take up diversification options that are provided for as part of our climate transformation including organics, but also Forestry and Tillage. Also, as we increase the production of renewables, some farmers may choose to provide feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion.
Given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that we will continue to reduce emissions in the agri-food sector without reducing our agri-output.
My aim is to future proof Ireland’s agri-food sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. The sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class livestock and tillage sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve our environmental targets while maintaining food production.
