Charlie McConalogue
Question:359. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the new green deal and proposals relating to the agriculture sector by the European Commission. [53854/19]
View answerWednesday, 18 December 2019
Questions (359)
Written answers
I am watching developments on Europe’s Green Deal closely. It is quite clear that the European agri-food sector will need to play its part in the transition to Europe becoming a carbon neutral continent by 2050. Ireland is committed fully to the European climate ambitions.
I welcome the ambition of the deal for the agri-food sector, the test will be achieving its objectives without compromising economically sustainable food production in rural heartlands across Europe. While the challenges are clear, there are opportunities also. Farmers must produce food in a manner that protects air and water quality, along with enhanced biodiversity, thus meeting the demands of today's consumer.
Maintaining a well-funded CAP will be key, and it remains an absolute priority for this Government. This is a critical component towards enabling a just transition to low carbon rural economy, a key pillar of the Commission's new Green Deal.