Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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232. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to strive to ensure that climate emission targets can be achieved without damage to the agri-food sector, having particular regard to the pivotal role that sector plays in the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38468/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The agriculture sector is a cornerstone of the Irish economy and as the Deputy is aware, last year - 2023, was a year of considerable progress for agriculture with emissions reduced by 4.6% relative to 2022.

This is the largest single year reduction observed in the agriculture sector. Not only does this reflect the efforts that farmers are putting in on the ground, it gives confidence to continue those efforts as we strive to achieve a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for agriculture by 2030 and sustain a viable a agri-food sector.

The commitment of the sector to reducing emissions is supported by this Government through the provision of circa €4.1 billion, in respect of agri-environmental practices under the current Common Agricultural Policy, as well as significant investment in research and development.

My Department has provided support schemes such as Low Emission Slurry Spreading, the Protein Aid, Multi- Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Schemes, to reduce emissions which have received strong uptake by farmers. Proactive engagement by farmers is evidenced by the approval of 55,000 farmers in the ACRES scheme and 120,973 ECO scheme applications for 2024.

The level of organic farming has trebled in thanks to significant increases in funding provided. We have seen a reduction of 18% in nitrogen-based fertiliser in 2023, which has resulted in a cumulative reduction of more than 30% in annual use since 2018.

My Department and agencies are working with farmers to reduce livestock methane emissions. This multifaceted approach includes improving the genetic profile of the National Herd through breeding supports such as the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and the Dairy Welfare Scheme.

We will continue working together to achieve our environmental targets while maintaining a thriving agri-food sector.