Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which imports from third countries are likely to impact on the agrifood sector here given international carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51921/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish and EU food producers are making significant efforts to meet international carbon reduction targets.
I am very aware that we must do what we can to ensure that these efforts do not result in EU products becoming less competitive on EU and other markets, and as a result lead to them being replaced by imported products which are produced less sustainably.
If this were to happen it would merely see the EU exporting its carbon footprint to third countries, negating the efforts of EU producers to help meet the global emissions reduction challenge.
This is a matter that is the subject of ongoing consideration and discussion at EU level, particularly following the joint statements from the Council, European Parliament and Commission that were appended to the political agreement on the CAP reform in July 2021.
I believe that proactive engagement at multilateral level on the application of EU environmental standards to imported agricultural products is required, and that the report requested by the Council and European Parliament from the Commission by June 2022 will be a very important step in this regard.
It is useful to note in this context the inclusion of a detailed chapter on Sustainability in the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement, which recognises the need to address the urgent threat of climate change and the role trade has in that regard, as well as underscoring the importance of both Parties implementing the provisions of the Paris Agreement.
Ireland is insisting that additional, robust, and legally enforceable commitments on environmental compliance should be added to the agreement, and proposing that these commitments include a sanction regime for non-compliance with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
I and the Government will continue to insist that EU policy on agriculture, sustainability, climate action and trade is coherent.
