Methane and other carbon emissions are the biggest threat to the reputation of Ireland’s agri-food sector, an Irish Farmers Journal/KPMG poll has found. Some 59% of people who took part in a poll at the launch of the 2020 Irish Farmers Journal/KPMG Agribusiness Report, said carbon emissions are the biggest threat to the reputation of the sector.

Nineteen per cent of people said animal welfare was the biggest threat, 16% said water quality was the biggest threat and 7% said biodiversity loss. Some 220 people took part.

A second poll asked if agriculture should be treated differently from other industries when addressing carbon reduction goals. Of the 226 respondents to this poll, 72% said yes, while 28% said no.

Those at the webinar were also asked if a 7% emissions cut in Irish agriculture is achievable without cutting the national herd. Some 250 people responded to this question, with 62% saying it is achievable and 38% saying it wasn’t.

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Carbon emissions the biggest threat to agri-food sector reputation – poll

A poll carried out at the KPMG/ Irish Farmers Journal 2020 Agribusiness report launch showed what those in the agri-food industry thought were the greatest threats to the sector's reputation.