A new payment for suckler farmers is proposed for the next CAP, as internal documents from the Department of Agriculture reveal plans for a carbon-neutral suckler scheme.The scheme would assess farms that meet a carbon-neutral standard and certify them with a new “A” or “A1” rating, depending on their take-up of environmental measures.
A new payment for suckler farmers is proposed for the next CAP, as internal documents from the Department of Agriculture reveal plans for a carbon-neutral suckler scheme.
The scheme would assess farms that meet a carbon-neutral standard and certify them with a new “A” or “A1” rating, depending on their take-up of environmental measures.
The document, seen by the Irish Farmers Journal, acknowledges the challenges of balancing methane emissions from farms but points to the extensive hedgerows and “very small carbon footprint” that these suckler farms already have.
The document outlines plans for a Department green ear tag to be used to differentiate cattle from A-rated carbon-neutral suckler farms.
It also points to the benefits of creating a scheme where beef could be marketed as “100% environmentally friendly” and help the suckler beef sector to meet carbon emissions commitments.
The proposal is included in correspondence between Department officials on how the suckler herd could reach emissions reductions as set out by the recent climate bill.
The new scheme would be welcomed by suckler farmers as an income boost and the potential to attract higher prices.
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