Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives she is undertaking in 2008 to help combat climate change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7093/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Climate change has potentially serious implications not just for agriculture but for all sectors of the economy. Agriculture has already made a significant contribution to Ireland's efforts to meet the targets set down under the Kyoto Protocol, achieving a reduction of 2% in greenhouse gas emissions from the sector in the period 1990 to 2005. The decision to opt for full decoupling of direct payments from production led to a substantial reduction in emissions owing to a fall in livestock numbers with an attendant decrease in fertilizer use. These reductions are projected to continue through 2008 until 2012 and beyond.

Looking ahead, the sector will continue to effect production efficiencies in order that the emissions per unit of food produced are as low as possible. In this regard it is expected that in 2008 the continued implementation of the Nitrates Regulations will result in better utilization of nutrients, with a consequent reduction in nitrogen applications. Other measures which will contribute to greenhouse gas abatement, such as the encouragement of minimum tillage, the use of clover swards and the adoption of low emission trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading have been introduced under the new Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Forestry is a significant element in the National Climate Change Strategy and plays a very important role in sequestering carbon. Forests planted from 1990 onwards are currently taking an average of 2.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum and projected sequestration by 2020 is likely to be in the region of 4 million tonnes. My Department is actively promoting planting under the Afforestation Grant Scheme in 2008 and REPS farmers are also being encouraged to establish high nature value woodland under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme, which will be fully rolled out in 2008. Both forest products and energy crops also contribute to the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by acting as substitutes for fossil fuels and my Department will continue to invite participation in the EU Energy Crops Scheme and the Bioenergy Scheme in 2008.

I realise that further initiatives may be needed to address the challenge of climate change, which is why my Department has committed substantial funding, under the Research Stimulus Fund, to various research projects devoted to identifying sustainable greenhouse gas reduction measures. A comprehensive research needs analysis, was recently carried out by my Department and will be used to inform future calls for research in the area climate change. Furthermore, my officials are currently working closely with Teagasc and COFORD in carrying out a review of the potential mitigation options available to the sector.