The impact farming has on climate change cannot be ignored, according to the chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Fine Gael TD Pat Deering.

Deputy Deering was speaking ahead of tomorrow’s committee meeting, where a discussion on the impacts of climate change on the agriculture sector will continue for a second consecutive week.

Last week, representatives from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA), the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Macra na Feirme appeared before the committee.

Tomorrow, presentations will be given by representatives from Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the Irish Grain Growers’ Group (IGGG) and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA).

Commenting on the meeting, Deputy Deering said: “Agriculture is highly exposed to the negative effects of climate change.


“The impact of resource stress on food production is one of the key issues facing global food production, as are concerns around greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration and carbon levels in soils.

Equally, the impact farming itself has on climate change – through the production of methane and nitrous oxide – cannot be ignored.

“Tomorrow we will discuss initiatives in the sector to address climate change and issues arising under the Common Agricultural Policy, such as greening.

“Climate-related losses in crop and livestock productivity continues to be an ongoing challenge for farmers and the committee will be keen to discuss how farming can adapt to the changed climate globally and locally, while promoting low emissions on Irish farms,” the Carlow–Kilkenny TD said.

The meeting is scheduled to get underway at 3:30pm in Leinster House.