Mr. Michael Earls:

We hope members have seen at first-hand how our technology can help to meet our emissions targets. I am sure they would like to know how an emissions fund might work and what it might cost. Our view is that we would need a commitment to fund emission reductions from now until 2030. We estimate that a fund of €30 million to €40 million per annum would be sufficient to ensure Irish farms will be the most sustainable farms in the world. Our simple view is to focus on what we can do today. We can reach our targets fully and more quickly through the mechanism proposed. Any delay in the implementation of a dedicated fund will leave Irish farmers with unachievable targets to reach. Decisions taken now can ensure that we will achieve our targets in a sustained manner. It will improve our soil and air quality, cut emissions substantially and improve animal welfare. It will also cut the number of farm fatalities and accidents and help support our reputation for producing great food in a sustainable and responsible manner. We therefore urge the committee to call on the Government to implement a dedicated emissions-reduction fund for Irish agriculture. This should be exclusively used to achieve emissions reductions and should not be part of any other capital support grants. It should be implemented without delay. We believe we could achieve our emissions targets through the use of technology without the need to cull the national herd.

Irish agriculture and Irish farmers are very innovative. We have shown an ability to adapt and develop new products and offerings. In this regard, consider how the dairy industry pioneered the development of cream liqueurs or how Ireland has become a global leader in protein-based nutrition. We have some of the best farmers in the world and a global reputation for quality. We now need to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of technology that will make our farms more sustainable and greener. I thank the members for their time and courtesy.