Politicians must recognise the industry-led activities underway
to tackle greenhouse gas emissions
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has written to all of Northern Ireland’s political parties to highlight the progressive measures that the agriculture sector is already taking to tackle Greenhouse Gas emissions as well as outlining concerns over the potential impact of a Northern Ireland Climate Change Bill. This move follows on from the UFU submitting its response to the Environment Minister’s pre-consultation on the proposed Northern Ireland Climate Change Bill.
UFU President Harry Sinclair said; “The Northern Ireland agri-food industry is already proactively taking steps to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and it is important that our politicians recognise this. Since the introduction of the UK Climate Change Act in 2008 the Union has been fully engaged in a process with other stakeholders from the agri-food sector assessing ways in which we can reduce the carbon intensity of our produce and deliver greater farm efficiency and profitability. As a result the ‘Efficient Farming Cuts Greenhouse Gases’ Strategy and Action Plan, published in 2011, has provided an essential framework that the agriculture industry has followed voluntarily which can deliver meaningful reductions in emissions.
“Public Representatives at Stormont need to be aware of the great strides agriculture is making in terms of delivering sustainable food for the marketplace and that imposing new legislation will threaten our competitiveness possibly leading to sections of our industry moving overseas where standards are less stringent.”
A recent report by the Agri-Food Strategy Board has laid out a plan for long term growth in the agri-food sector. One of the key objectives in this is plan is to create an environmentally sustainable agri-food industry which still delivers the output needed to drive the local economy.
Harry Sinclair continued; “There is huge potential for our industry and we need support from our politicians to help us get there. The recommendation from the Agri-Food Strategy Board that our industry needs to be environmentally sustainable is recognition that our industry takes environmental issues seriously. Disappointingly, the Environment Minister’s pre-consultation on the proposed Climate Change bill did not acknowledge the significant opportunities the agri-food sector can deliver for our economy and also the huge contribution land management can make towards absorbing harmful emissions from the atmosphere.
“At the moment, farmers have enough to deal with and adding more legislation and restrictions is the last thing anyone needs. The agri-food industry has demonstrated its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by proactively creating a strategy and action plan. The recommendation from the Agri-Food Strategy Board is further evidence of the industry’s longer-term commitment to environmental issues. The proposed NI Climate Change legislation will only hamper the growth of our industry and cause further headaches for our farmers. There is no better time for our politicians to show their support for this vital industry by recognising the work already underway and opposing any further legislation.”
