Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2021
306. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to develop climate action signpost farms to provide on-farm experience of the benefits of farming sustainably; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25153/21]
View answerThe signpost farm programme is a Teagasc-led initiative with a ‘whole-of-industry approach’ to support climate action by Irish farmers. Its main goals are to reduce gaseous emissions from Irish agriculture, while creating more profitable and sustainable farming enterprises.
In collaboration with industry, a nationwide network of demonstration farms representing all sectors is being established to showcase the science based technologies that can reduce agricultural emissions and where carbon sequestration in grassland and hedgerows can be examined.
This initiative is progressing with positive engagement from all stakeholders. This is an important commitment under the Programme for Government to support the industry in transitioning to a low carbon economy and is a key commitment in the Ag-Climatise roadmap for the Agriculture sector. I support this initiative.
The roadmap sets an ambitious vision for a ‘climate neutral agriculture sector by 2050’ and includes 29 actions with specific and challenging targets aimed at reducing the environmental footprint and further building on the strong credentials of Irish Agriculture.
