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An internal Department of Agriculture document reveals it is considering rolling out a carbon-linked suckler beef scheme in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The document seen by the Irish Farmers Journal, states the introduction of the Carbon Neutral Suckler Beef Scheme would produce animals from suckler farms certified as carbon-neutral with an “A” rating.
“This scheme would include a Department green [ear] tag to differentiate the produced animal,” the document says.
The news will be welcomed by many suckler farmers who fear their herds could be in line for reduction measures under specific sectoral climate bill targets due to be announced this summer.
It is not clear how the carbon emissions from suckler farms will be calculated and the document does note that this will be challenging
Agriculture accounts for 34% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a large proportion made up by methane released by cattle. It is not clear how the carbon emissions from suckler farms will be calculated and the document does note that this will be challenging, as the farm would in effect have to balance GHG emissions with the farm’s capacity to store carbon.
But the document notes the extensive hedgerows and the ability of suckler farms to capture and store carbon, along with the “very small carbon footprint” that these farms already have.
Recognition
It says that these farmers should be recognised for the public goods that they are providing and that the Department will pursue funding under the CAP “to support these farmers in their role as guardians of the countryside”.
It will enhance Ireland’s reputation internationally
Beef produced through the scheme would be 100% environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral and traceable – the first of its kind in the world – the document notes.
“It will enhance Ireland’s reputation internationally, thereby leading to increased market share worldwide.”
It continues by saying that it will also help to ensure the suckler beef sector honours its carbon emissions commitments.
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