Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current strength of the beef herd; the extent to which he is satisfied in regard to its future and the attainment of international carbon reduction targets thereby achieving a fair and equitable coexistence and maintenance of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/21]
View answerThe figures for 2020 show that the total cattle numbers decreased by (-0.5%) compared to 2019.
The number of other cows dropped by 3.6%, while the number of dairy cows increased by 2.1%.
|
(000 head) |
Total cattle |
Dairy cows |
Other cows |
|
2020 |
6529 |
1456 |
923 |
More detailed data from the CSO's June and December Livestock Surveys each year is available at the following link:
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/lsd/livestocksurveydecember2020/
Given the challenging macro-economic environment in 2020, Ireland's beef exports declined by 2% to €1.9 billion in value terms. The short term EU forecast for 2021 is for a continued drop in both European production (minus 1.5%) and consumption (minus 1.2%). As with other meat commodities, my officials continue to work towards opening new international markets and enhancing existing access to as many markets as possible. This development and diversification strategy remains central to our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit.
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.
Ag Climatise, the National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector published by my Department last December, is a living document which sets out 29 actions designed to achieve a climate neutral agriculture 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.
Supporting the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector will underpin the development of my Department's supports under the next Common Agricultural Policy.
Ultimately, I want to ensure that, as a priority, we protect the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the agri-food sector, and particularly farmers and fishers as our primary producers.
