Professor John Sweeney:

It is true that we can grow grass better than most countries in the world. It is also true that our farmers engage in efficient and good stewardship of the land. We need to consider whether the business model being employed is the most sustainable one for the future. We are putting all our eggs in the basket of powdered milk for China at present. That might not be too wise from an ethical perspective or in terms of our future economic potential.

As Dr. Augustenborg was saying, we must examine opportunities for diversification and moving up the value chain in agriculture rather than simply moving up the volume chain. We must recognise that all sectors of society will have to bear their share of the cost of tackling climate change. Some sectors bear more than others at present but all sectors will ultimately have to bear their share. With agriculture currently accounting for approximately one third of our non-ETS emissions, it will be recognised that further intensification and expansion of the herd can only be achieved at the cost of applying the polluter-pays principle in some shape or form.