Written answers

Thursday, 26 May 2022

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Photo of Jennifer Carroll MacNeillJennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

144. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a comprehensive update on the work currently underway to assist farmers contribute to the effort to reduce climate-based emissions; the ongoing direct input that farmers have on proposed efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26838/22]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, the agriculture sector is required to required to reduce emissions by between 22% - 30% by 2030, based on a 2018 baseline of 23MT CO2 eq.

This is a challenging target for the sector, but it is also a target that will present opportunities for Irish farmers. Significant work has been done to date to develop a pathway to achieve the emissions reductions required.

The Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve was the original source, and it has been built upon by both Ag Climatise and the Climate Action Plan of 2021. I recently established a Food Vision 2030 dairy group to set out specific actions on how emissions reduction in the dairy sector will be achieved. A beef and sheep group with a similar objective will soon be established.

The advisory services both within Teagasc and the private network, are working closely with farmers to advise them of the transition necessary on their farms. Teagasc has establishment a network of model farms under their signpost programme.

These farms are considered best in class when it comes to climate smart agriculture, supporting peer to peer learning between farmers.

One of the most important actions farmers can take is to reduce their dependence on chemical nitrogen. I have put in place additional supports this year to encourage farmers to transition to clover and multispecies swards. The Department to continues to financially support the uptake of low emissions slurry spreading technology through TAMS. These measures are important enabling actions to support the chemical nitrogen reduction required.

A whole-of -sector, whole-of-Government approach will be needed to ensure the agriculture sector achieves its climate objectives. Farmers will need to be given time as well as consistent and clear advice on the changes required. I am confident that our farmers will take a leadership role in meeting our climate ambitions and I will support them throughout this process.

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

145. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with Teagasc in relation to its research into the methane emissions of dairy cows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26906/22]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is working closely with Teagasc to explore technologies and opportunities that may exist in the effort to reduce methane emissions in the agricultural sector as well as developing metrics to be able to measure the effectiveness of these technologies on reducing methane emissions.

It is clear that methane and other emissions associated with the dairy herd will need to reduce over the decade if agriculture is going to meet its climate objectives. There is significant research work ongoing in relation to methane emissions and dairy, and indeed, it is clear that future research investments will be needed in this area.

One of the most exciting research breakthroughs in recent times is the use of the feed additive 3 Nitro-Oxy-Propanol, (3-NOP) that has been proven to have the ability to reduce enteric methane emissions.

The feed additive 3NOP, which can reduce methane emissions in the rumen of animals by approximately 30% for indoor systems, has recently been approved by the European Food Safety Authority.  While the technology has been proven to work in indoor confined systems of livestock production, Teagasc has also commenced work on how the technology can be used in a grass-based system. I will continue to support Teagasc in developing these types of technologies.

New technologies such as anaerobic digestion are specifically referenced in the Climate Action Plan and they also help reduce emissions. My Department supports Teagasc to deliver these important methane-focused projects as well as supporting Teagasc advisers and research staff to deliver these targets.

DNA technology has also led to significant improvement in animal breeding in recent times. My Department is in collaboration with Teagasc and ICBF as we continue to focus on efficiencies in producing high-quality animal protein. Teagasc is in collaboration with DAFM and ICBF to develop a carbon sub index that can be included in the EBI.  It is hoped eventually to be able to select directly for lower enteric methane emitting cows using the carbon sub index.

We are currently funding two methane specific research projects including the development and validation of novel technologies to reduce methane emissions from pasture based Irish agricultural systems and investigating Seaweeds and seaweed-ingredients to reduce enteric methane emissions from pasture-based sheep, cattle and dairy cows in collaborations with Teagasc and Irish universities.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.