Our beef and dairy sectors continue to be the bedrock that our agri-food industry is based upon. Both sectors are worth approximately €4.7bn in terms of output, and my ambition as Minister is to see these value figures increase over the years ahead. Global demand for food continues to increase and given our cost efficient grass based production system, Ireland is well placed to supply this increased consumer demand.
Nevertheless, there are issues that need to be addressed, not least the climate challenge. Emissions from the meat and dairy sectors are biological in nature and the special characteristics of biogenic methane was reference in the Programme for Government. Despite this, absolute emissions from the sector must fall over the years ahead. The sector can achieve these emissions reductions by early adoption of the measures as set in the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC). In addition, I plan to publish a Climate and Air roadmap for the sector which well set out a series of actions that the sector, including farmers on the ground, can implement over the years ahead.
By working together, I am very confident that the sector can reduce absolute emissions while maintaining output. Supporting farmers through this transition remains a key priority for the Department and the new CAP strategic programme will be key in this regard.
