Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
946. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the status of the internal departmental report which suggested that up to 65,000 cows would need to be culled for each of the next three years at an annual cost of €200 million (details supplied); if this option has been endorsed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27432/23]
View answerI established the Food Vision Dairy and Food Vision Beef and Sheep Groups to advance the actions for the sectors identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sector to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process.
Building on the work of the Food Vision Dairy and Food Vision Beef and Sheep Groups, the paper highlighted by the Deputy identifies options to “close the gap” between what are the known solutions to deliver abatement in agriculture and the carbon budgets assigned to the sector. This document was part of a deliberative process and is not a final policy decision.
A key recommendation of the Food Vision Dairy Group was to explore and take forward a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd. My officials are currently working to explore this proposal further and there will be significant engagement with stakeholders over the coming months on the parameters of the scheme. While the Food Vision Beef and Sheep Group also included a proposed recommendation for a voluntary exit or reduction scheme in its final Report, after careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders, the proposition for a voluntary exit or reduction scheme for our beef herd is no longer being considered.
My Department will work collaboratively with all other Departments and agencies involved to implement priority actions to support farmers and the industry in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed.
