Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 greenhouse emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.

Following the process set out in the Act, on 28 July the Government approved sectoral emission ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, with the exception of the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry sector, which will be determined by end 2023 at the latest. The agriculture sector must stay within its sectoral emissions ceilings, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2025, and 25% by 2030.

Climate Action Plan 2021 has outlined how emission reductions can be achieved in this sector in the coming years without compromising sustainable food production. The measures contained involved offering farmers the means to reduce carbon emissions at farm level by being more efficient, while also diversifying towards less greenhouse gas 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 shortly.

The challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector while ensuring our food security is 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.