Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
113. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the significance of data monitoring, reporting and verification in order that the reduction of farm-related emissions are reflected in national figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this important issue of data measuring, reporting and verification (MRV). While ultimately this a matter for the EPA and my Government colleague Minister Ryan in terms of the reporting of the inventory, I am happy to provide my views.
Measurement, Reporting and Verification is something that is going to take on increased significance in the context of achieving our climate targets over this decade. Agriculture and Land based emissions are broken down into two inventory categories, the agriculture inventory and the Land use, land use change and forestry inventory, more commonly referred to as LULUCF.
In terms of the agriculture inventory, the main sources of information that impact on the inventory are derived from the Central Statistics Office. Data sources include dairy cow numbers, suckler cow numbers, and sheep numbers. The fertiliser sales statistics also play a key role in determining total emissions.
The LULUCF inventory is more complicated from a Measurement Reporting and Verification perspective. It is important that the protection of carbon pools and the increased removal and storage of atmospheric carbon brought about through the activities of our farmers is recognised in the National Inventory Reporting accounting system.
In recent months significant funding allocations through my Department will allow for the better understanding of farm derived emissions.
In this regard, I highlight the recent establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) for the measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a range of different soil and farm types. The outputs from this project will place Ireland at the forefront of EU carbon sequestration research.
In tandem with the Soil Carbon Observatory I have also recently launched the Pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme which will provide a baseline assessment of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) across the country.
The knowledge gained from these activities will place Ireland at the forefront of research in carbon farming while also allowing for the refinement of our reporting to the National Inventory further emphasising the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
