Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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105. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that adequate steps will be taken to ensure the development of the agrifood sector, notwithstanding impositions in respect of carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19130/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he expects targets set in respect of Food Harvest 2020 to be achieved, notwithstanding implications arising from carbon emissions reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19134/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 109 together.

The continued development of a sustainable agri-food sector is a priority for my Department. However, there will be challenges along the way. Nevertheless, it is independently and internationally recognised that ours is one of the most climate and resource efficient agri-food production systems in the world and we are working with all stakeholders to find even greater efficiencies.

Meeting annual mitigation targets in the second half of the 2013-2020 compliance period under the 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision – which does not take into account the limited cost-effective mitigation options available in the sector – will be one of the more significant challenges for the sector. It is vital, therefore, that in terms of setting EU climate policy to 2030, there is coherence between EU agriculture and food security policy. The October 2014 European Council Conclusions contain critical principles that recognise the multiple objectives of agriculture and the land use sector including recognition of the limited cost-effective mitigation options available.

I met with Commissioner Canete last month with a view to building upon the October Conclusions and reiterated the reality of the challenges the Irish agriculture sector faces which need to be recognised in future EU Climate and Food policies. Officials from my Department and other Departments are applying a whole of Government approach to engagement with the Commission in order to seek an appropriate framework for agriculture within EU climate policy.

My Department has also established an agriculture climate change committee, which includes Teagasc, the EPA and Bord Bia, which is informing the development of national and EU policy in relation to agriculture and climate change.

In addition, the first iteration of the National Mitigation Plan, which is being prepared under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015, will not only focus on addressing the current 2020 compliance challenge but will also look to 2030 and beyond. My Department is developing the sectoral mitigation plan for agriculture, and this will examine how the sector can play its part.

Reduced production is not a realistic option for the Irish agriculture sector - we are committed to ensuring that the sector continues to grow sustainably so that Ireland can play its part in meeting the increasing global food demand while having regard to Ireland’s climate obligations.

Looking to the future and further developing the industry over the next decade, a high-level committee, which I established towards the end of last year, is in the process of developing a ten-year Agri-Food strategy to 2025, which will include the impact of milk quota removal. While I cannot pre-empt the outcome of this important work, the emphasis must be on encouraging sustainable intensification of food production in light of the growing global demand and to reduce the carbon intensity of production, to contribute to both food security and greenhouse gas mitigation objectives.

In terms of particular Food Harvest 2020 targets a recent report (Milestones for Success 2014) has found that (inter alia):

- The value of beef exports and pig outputs has already exceeded the Food Harvest 2020 targets.

- The value of sheep output has already almost reached its target.

- The value of Dairy Produce & Ingredients exports is more than 80% of the way to its target.

The Food Harvest 2020 Environmental Analysis (published in January 2014) contains a number of recommendations that would mitigate any slight negative impacts from increased production. These are informing policy development to ensure sustainability in production and significant investment is being targeted to address potential negative impacts. Measures include:

- research aimed at developing and refining best practices

- investment through the Rural Development Programme and

- the identification and confirmation of sustainability credentials for Irish agricultural production.

Early analysis suggests that further efficiency improvements are possible such as the more efficient use of fertiliser and manure, grassland management, improved breeding and better fertility. Essential ongoing research into new technologies is continuing so as to maintain our economic and environmental competitive advantages.