Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030. Following the process set out in the Act, the agriculture sector has been set the target of a 10% reduction in emissions by 2025 and a 25% reduction by 2030. Responsibility for meeting this sectoral target sits with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government in December, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and consultation. The plan outlines how emission reductions can be achieved in the coming years, increasing our ambition for efficiency in the sector while also heavily promoting the diversification of agricultural activities. These actions will both improve animal breeding, feeding and finishing, and also encourage farmers to diversify into sectors including organics, tillage and biomethane feedstock production.

The plan and its accompanying annex of actions are open for public consultation until 5 April. If anyone wishes to make a submission or observation on it, or the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, they can do so.

Livestock grazing out of doors dominates Irish agriculture and our agriculture sector has an international reputation for high quality and sustainably produced food. Maintaining that reputation is an imperative for our agri-food industries, as 90% of our production is exported.