This week’s EU climate change summit is being hailed by IFA president Eddie Downey as “an important milestone”. Today (Thursday) sees Enda Kenny and the other EU prime ministers start a two-day meeting charged with setting out the carbon emission targets to 2030.

Last month, Enda Kenny stressed the efficiency of Irish agriculture at a UN-hosted global climate change event.

“It is now universally accepted that Ireland’s agri-food sector is amongst the most carbon efficient in the world,” said Downey. “However, farmers have a wider role in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are food producers, fuel producers and energy producers, while maintaining and enhancing the environment. This multi- functional role of agriculture is something that IFA, various Government departments and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny have continued to articulate to our European colleagues.”

Downey said this has not always been understood and was broadly ignored by other EU member states when negotiating previous climate targets. It has singularly contributed to the often divisive debate regarding climate policy in this country, he said.

“It is now time for a fairer climate package for Ireland from Europe, one which recognises and supports the development of Ireland’s carbon-efficient model of food production,” said Downey.

“At this time of increasing global demand for protein based foods such as beef, it is important that past mistakes in climate talks are not repeated.

“Carbon efficient countries, such as Ireland, must be encouraged to meet this demand, instead of being displaced by less carbon efficient regions.”

Downey believes that progress was made at the recent EU Agriculture Council of Ministers meeting, but must be built on this week. He expressed confidence the Taoiseach would do so.