The Deputy will be aware that the issue of maintaining meat and dairy production has been the subject of much speculation over recent months, particularly in the context of the Climate Action Plan 2021 and the subsequent sectoral emissions ceiling that will be established for the agriculture sector.
My position has been consistent on this matter, agriculture will indeed need to step up its climate ambitions, like all sectors, in order to ensure that the economy wide reduction of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 is achieved. However, agriculture is not unique in this regard as a climate change is a challenge for everyone in society.
The Climate Act that was passed by the Houses in the summer makes its clear that the social and economic role of agriculture must be fully considered when setting a final reduction target for the sector. I am satisfied that the Government will be able to achieve its stated climate objectives, while at the same time maintaining agricultural output at current levels. The future CAP will actually support this objective rather than hinder it in any way.
The issue of carbon sequestration is an important matter. Importantly, our land is a net emitter rather than a sink. There is a lack of data currently to accurately assess the biomass content of hedgerows and thus sequestration potential. To address the lack of data and research, I have invested in many initiatives including a research project led by Teagasc called “Farm-Carbon – Farm Hedgerows and Non-forest Woodland Carbon”. This project will advance the understanding of the contribution of hedgerows and non-forest woodland to carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes, and to identify approaches to maintain and enhance this contribution over time, ensuring that their contribution is accurately represented in the inventory.
