Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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262. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the research behind the claim that Ireland is recognised as having one of the most technologically advanced and carbon efficient food production systems; if there is a difference between the methane emissions of an Irish cow as opposed to non-Irish cows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23553/17]

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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263. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated methane emissions from the State's beef and dairy cattle; the projected methane emissions from same; if the objectives of Food Wise 2025 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23554/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

The research the Deputy is asking about is the European Commission’s JRC Report of 2010, titled “Evaluation of the livestock sector's contribution to the EU greenhouse gas emissions (GGELS)”.  That research recognised that Irish agricultural production has one of the lowest carbon footprints within the EU.  Specifically in relation to cow milk emissions it found that Ireland (with Austria) had the lowest cow milk emissions (1 kg per kg of product). This compares with an EU average of 1.4kg/kg. The report also stated that Ireland had the lowest emissions per kg of pork (4.8 kg/kg) with the EU average 7.5kg/kg and Ireland’s emissions per kg of beef were 18.4 kg/kg with and EU Average of 22.2kg/kg.

The Report also recognised that with regard to dairy systems in Europe, intensive systems create less methane and nitrous oxide emissions than extensive ones, but this is countered by higher emissions from land use and land use change. Lowest emissions are created by extensive grassland systems, such as those in Ireland. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has also recognised the efficiency of our temperate grassland based production system.

Methane accounts for approximately 22% of Ireland's green house gas (GHG) emissions. It is the most significant GHG emitted from agricultural activity in Ireland accounting for 64.5% of total agricultural emissions. Enteric fermentation, which is a natural process in the digestive system of ruminant animals that results in the emission of methane, accounts for 90% of agricultural methane emissions. The remaining agricultural methane is associated with the storage and management of animal manures.

Current research into reducing methane emissions is primarily focussed on reducing emissions per unit product (i.e. reducing emissions intensity). This research is primarily focused on improving productivity per animal and thus decoupling animal numbers from production. Most of this research is focussed on developing economic breeding indices (EBI), extension of the grazing season, reducing beef finishing times (and reducing total methane per animal) and optimising beef and dairy animals via the use of sexed semen. Many of these measures are currently in use or being commenced.

Carbon audits by our Food Agency (An Bord Bia) are placing new emphasis on reduction in emissions intensity of beef and dairy produce.

Through the deployment of innovative and efficient practices at farm level, combined with the application of emerging scientific knowledge, Ireland can take the necessary steps towards addressing the challenge of greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, in the Irish agriculture sector. In the Rural Development Programme, there are some 38,000 farmers taking part in the Green Low carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) and 24,000 herds in the first Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP), which is a world-leading initiative to improve the quality of breeding of our beef cattle. Applications for participating in a new BDGP are currently being processed.

Food Wise 2025 is a cohesive, strategic plan for the sustainable development of agrifood sector over the next decade.  The strategy identified over 400 recommendations to achieve the growth projections identified at the outset which the Agrifood Strategy Committee believed were achievable. Progress is reviewed on a quarterly basis by a High Level Implementation Committee. The first progress report Steps to Success outlined that good progress had been made in its first year.  A second annual progress report is due to be produced shortly.