Mr. Jer Bergin:

Our point is agriculture is different. We believe the carbon accounting methodology for agriculture is flawed. It is not possible for the emission reductions related to agriculture and the carbon sinks to be given to agriculture. We believe we need to move to measurement per unit of production - such as per kilo of milk solids and per kilo of beef - so that one can compare like and like. This would allow consumers and legislators to get an accurate understanding of what is possible and the direction in which we should go. There is an opportunity for the committee to look at this.

The issue of food production and security is changing internationally. The policy now is that any future strategies must not damage food production or security. It will be different for different regions. Resource efficiency is the key to this. It is key in the Third World and it is key here; the difference is in how we do it. To give one small example, one in five calves born in the Third World dies. If those in the Third World had access to the veterinary services we have here and the figure could be reduced to one in ten, or whatever, it would make a significant difference to resource efficiency, emissions and food security.

So they are practical and logical solutions, which is where we want to see the debate going.