Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture have fallen, seminar told

By Ray Ryan Agribusiness Correspondent

Thursday, June 25, 2009

GREENHOUSE gas emissions from agriculture have fallen in recent years, a seminar hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) was told in Backweston, Co Kildare, yesterday.

Researchers and government officials from north and south heard that agriculture accounts for about 27% of total emissions in Ireland compared with 35% in 1990. The greenhouse gases emitted from the agriculture sector in association with food production are methane and nitrous oxide.

These are emitted due to naturally occurring processes in crop and animal production systems, but are very difficult to reduce because they are naturally occurring. The seminar heard emissions per kilogramme of meat and milk produced in Ireland are low relative to other countries, due to efficiencies in farming systems brought about by research.

DAFF said it is recognised that the aim, through research, should be to reduce emissions further here.

"Given the global importance of reducing emissions this research will enable Ireland to play a role in reducing emissions associated with food production worldwide," it said. DAFF said it has made significant funding available for this research through its research stimulus fund (RSF).

It will also help Ireland play a role in meeting the increasing demand for food worldwide, which is expected to double by 2050. The department has committed €7 million to funding research projects through the RSF aimed at reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, June 25, 2009