Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has assured farmers that there will not be a reduction or cap on the national herd.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Monday 18 November, Minister Creed outlined a new draft proposal by Government that seeks to reduce Irish carbon emissions by 10% to 15% by 2030.

Engagement

“We’re asking to engage with stakeholders to finalise the details of this roadmap and begin the implementation of the necessary measures as soon as possible thereafter,” said Minister Creed.

In response to a suggestion of herd reduction, he said: “Managing livestock and fertiliser use are the key drivers of our agricultural emissions, so we have published detailed proposals that can enable us to meet those targets without impacting on the size of the national herd. However, that it has to be said, that it will require a comprehensive buy-in of all the stakeholders including all of our individual farmers.”

Ambition

He continued to outline the ambition of the draft proposal, which is to be the most efficient, be it in dairy, beef or any other enterprise.

“The clear consequence of embracing the roadmap is that we will not have to contemplate reducing or capping the herd, but if we don’t, then obviously policy option then moves into centre stage. I am confident that we can meet those targets by embracing all of the actions that are in the draft road plan as published.”