Irish agriculture can play an important role when it comes to Climate Action – McGahon

The important role Irish agriculture can play when it comes to Climate Action was highlighted by a Fine Gael senator attending the COP27.

Speaking at the Inter Parliamentary Union event at COP27 in Sharm El Sheik, Fine Gael Senator for Louth, John McGahon said: “We must turn the dial away from the negative commentary around agriculture and instead empower farmers. They are the solution, not the problem. We have an obligation to provide leadership to farmers and provide them with a clear roadmap.

“We have our target, 22% to 30% – the lowest of any sector in recognition of the unique social and economic importance of agriculture to Ireland’s rural economy and communities. It is still an ambitious ask for agriculture so focus must now turn to delivery. The best way to do this is through a science-based approach, one which is backed by robust research.

“We must pursue changes to farm practices that enable farmers to continue to produce world class food but with an even lower footprint and ensuring that many of these changes can be financially rewarding while at the same time protecting the environment.

“The adoption of new farming practices, like improved animal breeding and animal feeding, changing our practices around fertiliser will get us a good part of the way to meet agriculture’s sectoral targets.”

Senator McGahon highlighted examples like improved animal breeding and feeding, earlier finishing of cattle, a move towards carbon and organic farming, as well as changing our practices around fertiliser use.

“All these examples will get us a good part of the way to meet agriculture’s sectoral targets. The extra measures beyond that require us to step up research to find the rest of the answers,” continued Senator McGahon.

“We must continue the journey many farmers have already begun. We must be ambitious for farming and for our rural communities and move away from simple and crude proposals like herd reductions to a space where farmers are rewarded for climate action.”