John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I welcome the recent statement by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in which she addressed potential opportunities for Ireland's agricultural sector and the various ways in which the sector is reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She pointed out, for example, that farmers are now using less fertilisers and more efficiently, which cuts nitrous oxide emissions. She also noted that improved efficiencies in animal breeding, which have been researched and supported by Teagasc, have resulted in fewer emissions per unit of production.

Naturally, in a business as usual scenario, emissions from the agriculture sector would rise rather than fall, but that is also true of other sectors of the economy. However, the Government's approach to climate change recognises that it can no longer be a business as usual approach and that we must now focus on making the transition to a lower carbon economy. Every sector will play its part in that transition and every sector, including agriculture, will face opportunities as well as challenges. In this regard, I particularly welcome the Minister's commitment to look for new and innovative abatement options in the agriculture sector and to promote new farming practices and methods that can reduce emissions as they become available.

In addressing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector, it is important not to overlook the significant threat which climate change poses for its viability, not least to drought and the need for irrigation. It is essential that both these factors are incorporated into a fundamental analysis of agriculture, forestry and land use. Policies to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations and the effects of climate change will open new opportunities as well as helping to address the threats which climate change presents for Irish agriculture. Through the Cabinet committee on climate change and energy security, I am working on an ongoing basis with my ministerial colleagues to ensure the long-term sustainability of all sectors of the economy, including agriculture.

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