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Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed is urging farmers to send in their views to the public consultation to Ag-Climatise – the National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector to 2030 and Beyond.
“Since the consultation opened last week, my Department has already received numerous worthwhile responses,” he said, adding that he wanted to hear from more farmers.
“Nobody is more familiar with the climate challenges our industry faces than the farmers of this country. I encourage more of them to get involved in this consultation process which will shape Irish agriculture over the next decade.
“We need to hear their views. It is critical that we face this challenge together and chart a credible roadmap for the industry”.
Roadmap structure
The structure of the roadmap is composed of three elements:
1 Implementing changes now.
Examples of proposed actions include: adoption of low emission slurry spreading equipment and changes in fertiliser type.
2 Acting in partnership
To be successful, all stakeholders, from farm to fork, will have to contribute in a spirit of partnership, bearing in mind a just transition for all sectors the industry.
Preparing for the future
Using the best available science to inform policy development and to help stakeholders make strategic choices for the future.
Emerging opportunities
While the initial focus will be on implementing changes now, for example, in relation to issues such as nutrient management on every farm in Ireland, the Minister was keen to highlight some of the emerging opportunities for Irish agriculture in the medium term.
He highlighted the ongoing work within the European Innovation Partnership called Biorefinery Glas.
“The whole bioeconomy will offer exciting opportunities for Irish farmers. We are seeing fresh grass being converted into a range of valuable bio-materials.
“Grass is no longer just a valuable animal feed for livestock, we can maximise its value to the primary producer by extracting many useful products and still be left with a nutritious cattle feed fibre at the end of the process.
“I want farmers to understand, and this is a very important point, that all sections of society are being asked to contribute in this transition towards a low-carbon society. Some sectors have been asked to reduce emissions by in excess of 50% over the next decade.”
The consultation will end on Friday 10 January 2020.
How to send in your views
The consultation is composed of two elements, as follows:
1. The Ag Climatise roadmap which sets the scene and poses a number of questions.
2. An online survey to facilitate a response to the questions. The survey will take about 35 minutes to complete.
Written comments are also welcome by email to Agclimatise@agriculture.gov.ie and also by post to:
Climate and Air Roadmap Consultation, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Climate Change & Bioenergy Policy Division, Grattan Business Centre, Dublin road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, Ireland, R32 K857.
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