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Animal Feedstuffs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021

Thursday, 22 April 2021

Ceisteanna (224)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

224. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is giving consideration to expanding nationwide the pilot scheme currently being run by the Bantry marine research station which is investigating the effects of using red seaweed in animal feed as a means to reduce methane emissions from cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21002/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The recently published AgClimatise Roadmap outlines my vision for the agriculture sector, a climate neutral food system compatible with the Paris temperature goals. This vision for climate neutrality, in line with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (lPCC) guidance, requires that methane reduces out to 2050. Identifying ways to reduce methane is key priority for my Department in order to transition the sector to a more long term sustainable platform, all the while supporting farm incomes.

One possible pathway to reduce methane emissions from ruminant livestock is the addition of feed additives into the diet of the animal. Significant investment has been made in this regard. Since 2016, the Department has invested approximately €8m into projects looking at methane from ruminant livestock. There are various feed additives that are being researched at this time by various research institutions in Ireland, including Teagasc, who are carrying out research projects testing various feed additives to reduce methane emissions such as the “Meth-Abate” project and also “SeaSolutions”.

I am aware of the potential of seaweed and, in particular, red seaweed to reduce methane emissions from livestock so I am very interested in the ongoing work at Bantry Marine Research Station Ltd. I believe this ongoing research will make a valuable contribution towards developing a long term solution to the issue of ruminant methane emissions.

There is a clear commitment in Ag Climatise to continue to fund research into this important topic and, building on all existing research work to date, I will strive to ensure that appropriate funding is made available over the years ahead.

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