Agriculture Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Group hold inaugural meeting

A GHG Stakeholder Group has met to discuss how best to reduce greenhouse gases in the agriculture sector while remaining competitive in the market place.

The group is comprised of stakeholder representatives across the producer, processing and environmental sectors and DARD officials, and is tasked with working to develop a strategy and action plan for the reduction of greenhouse gases in the agri-food sector. This will contribute to reduction targets at European and national levels and respond to customer requirements.

A key focus of the group will be on methane and nitrous oxide emission levels and on how current levels can be reduced while production expands to meet rising food demand. Methane and nitrous oxide have a global warning potential of 21 and 310 respectively, relative to carbon dioxide. Emissions levels are a major consideration in the assessment of environmental sustainability by processors and retailers.

Top of the agenda at the meeting was the need to agree high level themes for a strategic approach. These included optimising manure, fertilizer and livestock management; renewable energy use on-farm; and sequestration (locking in) of emissions in soil, grass, peatland and woodland.

A range of potential mitigation measures and practical steps, underpinned by scientific research, will be developed by the Group and brought together in an action plan to support delivery of an emissions reduction strategy.

Notes to editors:

1. Current membership of the Agriculture Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Stakeholder Group includes representatives from the farming unions, CNCC, IAP, DairyUK, LMC, NIMEA, ConFor and DARD.
2. The Executive agreed that the Climate Change Act 2008 should extend to Northern Ireland.
3. A Programme for Government target calls for a 25% reduction across all sectors by 2025.
4. Agriculture in Northern Ireland is currently estimated to contribute 21% of all local GHGs mainly from Methane (livestock and manures) and Nitrous Oxide (manures and fertilisers).
5. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 02890524619.