Farm groups urge senators to reject Climate Change bill

FARM groups and industry leaders are urging Seanad members to reject the Climate Change Response Bill, due to be tabled for a second stage vote next Thursday.

The ICMSA claims that the Green Party’s proposal to reduce carbon emissions is three million tons more severe than that being sought by the EU. The dairy group argues that, at current market price for carbon, this would cost Ireland €50m per year by 2020, putting Ireland at a disadvantage relative to cheaper, less eco-conscious food producers.

ICMSA president Jackie Cahill said: “This €50m annually is merely the first level of cost and it would be borne primarily by Irish exporters. The true full cost could be a multiple of this.