Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2023
210. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a further update on the implementation of the recommendations from the food vision beef and sheep group; and if he has given consideration to concerns raised through the sector regarding the reduction of suckler cow numbers and the inclusion of the diversification and extensification schemes. [10405/23]
View answerI established the Food Vision Dairy as well as Beef and Sheep Group last year to advance the actions for the dairy, beef and sheep sector identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sectors to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process.
The first priority for both Groups was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Both the Beef & Sheep and Dairy Groups submitted their final reports towards the end of 2022, which have been published on my Department’s website. The measures listed in the reports were been agreed by all members of the Group, which is understandable given that there are significant economic costs, particularly at farm level, attached to implementing some of these measures. However, it is key that first we have a pathway to reducing emissions and know what measures can contribute to that.
The measures proposed include extensification and diversification schemes for suckler beef farmers, which were proposed as voluntary schemes. Parallel measures were proposed for dairy farmers in the Food Vision Dairy Group report.
Since the Reports were published, I have stated that, owing to the serious concerns expressed by the farming organisations on the proposals for voluntary extensification and diversification schemes, which would have provided a payment to those who were in a position to reduce their herd or exit beef farming entirely, such schemes are now off the table for the beef sector.
My ultimate aim is to futureproof our beef sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities.
