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"No Farmer Will Be Required To Cut His Herd" - Agriculture Minister

Friday, 29 July 2022 09:21

But the IFA isn't convinced the agri sector will be able to meet the new 25% emissions cut.

The Agriculture Minister says he sees the national herd remaining 'stable' over the coming years.

A major talking point in carbon emissions cuts was whether there would need to be a reduction in the total number of cattle in the State.

The government parties' deal will see carbon emissions from the agri sector reduced by 25% bringing the total reduction to 51% by the end of the decade.

Electricity emissions will also have to be reduced by 75% over the next eight years.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue wouldn't commit to cutting the herd, instead saying farmers can reduce emissions through other means:

But the Irish Farmers' Association say the emissions deal reached yesterday between the Government parties has the potential to wipe out certain communities around the Country.

IFA President, Toomervara's Tim Cullinan says the reduction in revenues in certain communities will be devastating:

Phelim O'Neill is markets analyst with the Irish Farmers' Journal.

He says based on his calculations, the potential loss to the Irish exchequer arising from the emissions deal is around €2.5 billion annually:

A member of the Climate Advisory Council says she's relieved a deal is finally in place.

However, Cara Augustenborg says the government now needs to monitor the impact the current carbon budget is going to have on meeting targets:

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