Agriculture must play its part in Climate Action Plan - ICOS

The Government’s Climate Action Plan has been described as “very demanding for the agri-food sector” by the President of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), Jerry Long.

Mr Long acknowledged that the sector must play its part in delivering a low carbon future for the next generation.

“Farmers and the wider agri-food sector should be under no illusions that the Action Plan, as set out by the Government will require a significant effort by all stakeholders working collaboratively, if we are to achieve the 10-15% reduction target,” Mr Long said.

The plan targets increases in the use of protected urea from 1% of the straight N market to 50% by 2030, increasing the usage of trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading from 10% to 50% by 2030, increasing the average EBI from €70 today to €230 by 2030 and doubling average afforestation rates from 5,500 ha per annum today to 10,000 ha per annum by 2030.

“ICOS and our members across the dairy, livestock and rural enterprise sectors are willing to play our part and will contribute constructively to the achievement of the Climate Action Plan. However, the approach by Government must always remain balanced and supportive of Ireland’s leading, sustainable grass-fed model of production,” Mr Long concluded.