Brendan Griffin
Question:938. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a dairy reduction scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36545/23]
View answerTuesday, 25 July 2023
Questions (938)
Written answers
I established the Food Vision Dairy Group as well as the Food Vision Beef & Sheep Group last year to advance the actions for the beef and sheep, and dairy sectors 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 Dairy and Beef & Sheep Groups submitted their final reports towards the end of 2022, which have been published. The reports identified measures which could contribute to reducing emissions. The publication was timely as it then served to inform the Climate Action Plan 2023 which was launched in December 2022.
Since the Reports were published, I have stated that, owing to the serious concerns expressed by the farming organisations on the proposals for voluntary reduction 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.
A key recommendation of the Food Vision Dairy Group was to explore and take forward a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd. My officials are currently working to explore this further and there will be significant engagement with stakeholders over the coming months on the parameters of the scheme.
Let me be very clear, no decision has been taken by Government to proceed with such a scheme, and no Exchequer funding provision is currently in place for such a scheme. I have repeatedly stated that no farmer will be forced to reduce livestock numbers as part of the Climate Action plan process.
Our livestock farmers and the dairy and beef sectors are already very sustainable but I want to support them to be even more sustainable. I want to build a strong and sustainable future for farmers and the subsequent generations of farmers. I will work collectively and collaboratively with farmers and their representatives in charting a pathway forward.