Written answers

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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1206. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will discuss the targets on Irish agricultural emissions as negotiated between his Department, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and the European Commission by 2020 in an overall policy package by the EU in the field of climate change; his views on whether such restrictions would place Ireland at a disadvantage to other economies in the production of milk and beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38042/13]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The 2008 Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) formed part of the EU Climate and Energy Package in 2008 for the post- Kyoto period 2013-2020. Under the ESD, Ireland agreed to reduce national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20%, compared to 2005 emissions levels, by 2020. The ESD does not set individual sectoral targets.

During 2012, as part of the work which was undertaken by the Secretariat of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) on National Climate Policy Development, my Department engaged deeply at expert level with NESC so as to explain:

- the costs and options of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the sector

- the implications of setting targets which exceed the capacity of the sector

- the actions being taken to reduce emissions in the sector and

- the evidence that these actions are effective.

The need for continuing analysis of the efficacy of proposed abatement actions, in a very complex system, was also emphasised.

Ireland’s dairy and beef sectors are recognised as being amongst the most efficient in the EU and indeed the world. This is supported by a number of international reports including from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). The JRC report also favourably compared Irish beef and lamb production with that of other countries including Brazil and New Zealand.

Teagasc published its Marginal Abatement Cost Curve for Irish Agriculture in April 2012. This analysis was conducted within the context of Food Harvest 2020 targets. Teagasc projects that Irish agriculture emissions, in the absence of abatement measures, could increase to 7% above 2010 levels by 2020. The Irish agriculture sector would nevertheless remain one of the most carbon-efficient in the world.

In summary, whilst we must face up to the reality of the Effort Sharing Decision and try to reach the National targets that were set for 2020, my Department continues to make the strong case at EU and United Nations (UNFCCC) levels that there is an inconsistency in the current approach to target setting as far as agriculture is concerned. In particular given that worldwide demand for production of food will increase by some 50% by 2030, EU policies must avoid downward pressure on food production, and maintain and enhance the EU contribution to global food production.

In my view future ambition setting at EU level therefore should not lead to a reduction in food production in an agriculture system that is recognised as one of the most efficient in the world. Such an approach carries the very real risk of carbon leakage, as production is taken up by less sustainable systems in other parts of the world with the consequence of overall increases in emissions in global terms.

Ireland must be recognised as a world leader in sustainable and carbon efficient food production through utilising existing best practice and further developing high efficiency farm practices and models.

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