Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
50. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what engagements he and his officials had with meat and dairy industry lobbyists in relation to his attendance at COP28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55787/23]
View answerMy Programme for COP did not include any formal engagements with meat and dairy industry lobbyists nor was there any consultation with these groups on my attendance at COP in advance of travel.
While in Dubai, I did greet attendees from Ireland which included representatives from NGOs and farm organisations.
I attended COP to participate in a series of events highlighting the importance of Sustainable Food Systems. This is the first time the COP Presidency has prioritised the link between climate policy and the food system, and as a food producing nation, it is critically important that Irish agriculture and food is presented on the world stage.
At the Conference I took every opportunity to ensure that the proactive work that Irish farm families and our food companies are doing in support of the environment, biodiversity and emissions reductions is recognised. It is important to collaborate internationally to achieve emission reductions from agriculture but what is also really important is that the massively important role that farmers play - of actually producing food - is recognised also.
With a growing global population, countries that can produce livestock, beef, lamb and dairy products really well need to continue to produce that food in a system that is seeing emissions reduce. Ireland is one of those countries.
I held a series of important bilaterals at COP and these engagements were an important opportunity to highlight the considerable work being done in Ireland to address the challenges of climate change and food security through innovation and systemic change. I co-hosted an event with the COP Presidency, UAE, entitled “A Sustainable Food Systems Approach to Innovation for Climate Action” and also participated in the event hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce, “Reducing Methane from Food and Agriculture”.
Through sharing our experience, we hope to play a key role in the global transformation of food systems which will be of benefit to all.
