The safe-guarding of Ireland’s carbon-efficient agri-food sector is worth fighting for during talks on the EU's climate policy, according to the IFA.

The comments come as European leaders meet in Brussels to reach an agreement on the EU's climate and energy commitment up to 2030.

The IFA said it is important that "past mistakes in climate talks are not repeated" during a time of increasing global demand for protein based foods such as beef. "Carbon efficient countries, such as Ireland, must be encouraged to meet this demand, instead of being displaced by less carbon efficient regions".

IFA President Eddie Downey said it's time now for a fairer climate package for Ireland from Europe that recognises and supports the development of Ireland’s carbon-efficient model of food production. “The sector supports 300,000 jobs right across the country, is the largest exporter of beef in Europe, produces 15% of the world’s infant formula and has overall food exports of over €10 billion. This is being achieved sustainably. Ireland’s beef and dairy farmer’s carbon footprint is among the lowest in Europe."

Downey said the multi-functional role of agriculture in Ireland was broadly ignored by other EU member states when negotiating previous climate targets. However current talks are being marked as "an important milestone" by the President and the IFA remain confident that Taoiseach Enda Kenny can deliver this at the Heads of Government meeting this week.