Farmers’ role in fight against climate change

IFA does not consider the headline ‘Cows and cars hinder C02 cuts’ (March 4), regarding comments made by Environment Minister John Gormley, as an accurate reflection of what he said.

Mr Gormley correctly stated that “if we are forced to reduce our agriculture in response to increased greenhouse gas emissions, there is a possibility that food will be produced elsewhere and you have food miles”.

IFA concurs with these comments.

Farmers can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy production and carbon-neutral electricity production such as anaerobic digestion.

This would be particularly welcome at a time when greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation grew by 2.8% in 2005.

The following facts are pertinent in the greenhouse gas emissions reduction debate:

nThese emissions have grown by 25% in Ireland since 1990, led by the transport sector, which has increased by 163%.

nThe energy sector has increased by 32% and the industrial sector by 23%.

nAgricultural emissions have fallen by 3% over the same period. These reductions have occurred without any allocation to agriculture by the EPA of thecarbon sink which occurs in forestry and other land uses.

Seán O’Leary

Chairman

IFA Climate Change Project Team

Gortnaeelig

Mourneabbey

Co Cork