Expansion of the dairy herd has led to an increase in agricultural emissionsThe national herd must be cut, further emission-reducing measures introduced and farmers mentored, if the country is to meet reach its climate targets. “Enteric methane accounts for 56pc of emissions, and there is no system or technology at present available to reduce such emissions at scale at acceptable cost. A more effective use of taxpayers’ money would be to couple this support to the provision of environmental outcomes, including emissions reductions and removals, rather than to animal numbers. Changes in land use, he said, is the other way to reduce emissions, including increasing forestry levels, which can also add to farm profitability. The Council recommends that CAP income support payments should better support and encourage farmers to reduce emissions, including through reducing animal numbers and/or using their land more profitably, while providing additional positive environmental outcomes.

Source: Irish Independent October 01, 2020 07:07 UTC