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

Achieving our climate ambition in the agri-food sector in Ireland requires new and innovative approaches by everyone in the industry and beyond. The 2030 25% sectoral emission reduction set for the agriculture sector is a challenging target and will require scientific and technological advancements to be achieved.

In Climate Action Plan 2024, I have set out measures around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.

We are making progress, with the agriculture sector reducing emissions in 2022. Economy-wide, 25% of the 1.9% year-on-year reduction in total emissions in 2022 can be attributed to agriculture.

The sustained reduction of Chemical Nitrogen sales over the last two years is an excellent example of progress with a reduction of 14% in 2022 being followed by an additional 18% reduction in 2023.

Research will be key to producing the scientific and technological advancements necessary to achieve our targets. My Department has provided funding of €8m to 12 Methane related research projects over the last five years. For example, “METH-ABATE”, is a DAFM funded research project, looking at the development and validation of novel feed technologies to reduce methane emissions from pasture based Irish agricultural systems. This includes evaluating several feed additives to mitigate methane emissions while simultaneously monitoring animal productivity.

On further potential new measures; insights from the new Teagasc MACC published in 2023 will serve as a key tool for identifying further options to reduce emissions in the agriculture sector. Building on the 2019 MACC, the 2023 document reflects new developments in technology, research, and global market conditions. The 33 measures set out in the 2023 MACC now need to be considered together with all stakeholders for them to be turned into actions in the Climate Action Plan.

Funded by the European Commission through the European Institute of Technology (EIT), EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading innovation community working to support the delivery of a climate resilient economy and society. DAFM has partnered with EIT Climate-KIC to work with public and private stakeholders in the Irish agri-food sector to help the sector deliver an accelerated pathway of climate action. Climate-KIC are applying their “Deep Demonstration” model of innovation to the entire agri-food and biobased value chain. This involves working with stakeholders from public, private, finance, civic and education sectors to develop and deploy coordinated actions.

This targeted and multifaceted approach is setting the agricultural sector in Ireland on a positive trajectory to achieving our climate targets.