A leading Government Minister has given the clearest indication yet that agriculture will be excluded from 2030 climate change targets.

In an extended interview with the Irish Farmers Journal this week, Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte said he is hopeful of agriculture not being part of the targets. However, he said the sector must make its own sacrifice as a result. “We have been seeking to make a case as to why Irish agriculture is different and why our systems are more efficient given that climate change is a global phenomenon. I hope that the arguments we have been making have been gaining traction in the European Union.

“That means that the burden falling on energy and transport will be all the greater. I’m hoping to get reasonable cooperation from the farming community for what it is that I have to have to do if energy is to bear a disproportionate amount of the burden. I need some quid pro quo from the farming community,” he said.

In the interview, Minister Rabbitte also stressed the need for Europe, and more specifically Ireland, to adapt to a changing energy landscape. He believes that we could lose our competitive edge as a result. He does admit that catching up with energy superpowers like America could prove difficult.

“We have fallen so far behind the Unites States. We have to address a number of big issues in European energy policy and interconnection is one of them. The effect of the shale gas revolution means that the US has cut its energy prices by 60%.

Read the full interview with Minister Pat Rabbitte here.