The Department document says the scheme would be the first of its kind in the world and provide a number of market benefits to Ireland's green image. \ Philip Doyle
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
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.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS