Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

50. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he continues to ensure a balance between meeting emission reduction targets and ensuring the future of the agri-food sector, with particular reference to the need to ensure the future of the agricultural production sector while meeting carbon reduction targets to the greatest possible extent; if he is satisfied that neither will progress at the expense of the other, that food security for the future is assured and that everything possible is being done to reduce emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55377/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July, the Government approved Sectoral Emission Ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (2021-2025 and 2026-2030), with the exception the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which will be determined later. There is target for a 25% emissions reduction for our agriculture sector by 2030. Climate Action Plan 2021 has outlined how emission reductions can be achieved in this sector in the coming years, which involves offering farmers the means to reduce carbon emissions at farm level by being more carbon efficient, while also diversifying toward less carbon intensive practices such as organic farming and the production of energy. These measures, and the extent to which progress is being made, will be reflected in the next Climate Action Plan, which is due to be published by the end of 2022. In the meantime, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continue to develop policies for reducing carbon emissions in their sector, while also ensuring the security and sustainability of food production. The challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector while ensuring our food security, is also a key opportunity for Ireland to become a world leader in long-term sustainable food production. I remain confident that our family farms will fully exploit the opportunities of this transition without compromising on sustainable food production.