Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total strength of the dairy herd at present; the extent of opportunities for advancement in the future while at the same time meeting carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27382/21]
View answerAccording to the results of the December 2020 CSO Livestock Survey, the number of dairy cows currently stands at 1.456 million, an increase of 30,300 or +2.1% compared with December 2019 figures.
Despite a challenging macro-economic environment in 2020, Ireland exported dairy products to approximately 143 countries with a value exceeding €5.1 billion, a 0.4% value increase compared to the same period in 2019. The European Commission’s Short-term Outlook for EU agricultural markets for 2021 forecasts a c. +4% increase in milk production in Ireland due to the increased national dairy herd, the largest expected growth amongst key milk producing EU Member States. In 2021 global dairy demand growth is expected to exceed supply and therefore Ireland is well-positioned to benefit from this increasing global demand. It is important to note, however that while milk production in Ireland has approximately 54% since the removal of milk quotas in 2015, the rate of increase has reduced in recent years.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 supports Ireland’s transition to Net Zero and achieve a climate neutral economy no later than 2050. It will establish a legally binding framework to ensure that we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations.
Ag Climatise, the National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector published by my Department, is a living document which sets out 29 actions designed to achieve a climate neutral agriculture sector and reflects the ambitions of the Bill. Industry stakeholders and Government will need to work collaboratively and constructively to ensure that these outlined objectives are achieved by the future dairy sector. In addition, I am confident that the strategic framework set out in the draft Agri Food Strategy for 2030, which is currently published for public consultation, sets out an effective pathway to deal with these challenges, while establishing Ireland as a world leader in sustainable food systems.
