Net zero target is ‘mission impossible’ – AgriSearch chairman

AHEAD of its discussion on the Assembly floor on Tuesday, agri-food organisations from across the Northern Ireland supply chain called on MLAs to “back expert science-based advice” when it comes to making important decisions on the Executive Climate Change (No.2) Bill.

The Bill, brought forward by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots, was tabled for discussion on February 1 giving Assembly members an opportunity to debate and vote on clauses of the proposed climate change legislation.

Imploring MLAs to back the proposals outlined in the Bill ahead of Tuesday’s debate, Ian Stevenson, Chief Executive of the Livestock and Meat Commission, said: “The Executive Climate Change No.2 Bill sets out an 82 per cent reduction in Northern Ireland greenhouse gas emissions. This is a very challenging target but one that industry can work towards as it should be technically possible to deliver such a reduction without decimating the industry.”

Conall Donnelly, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters’ Association, supported Ian’s comments and went on to outline that the industry is aware that some MLAs will seek to table amendments to the Bill in a bid to alter proposed targets.

“We must remain mindful that beef, lamb and dairy contribute over 50 per cent of the £5 billion turnover of the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland. The sectors also help support a significant percentage of the 113,000 jobs connected to agri-food. When tabling or supporting amendments MLAs should not seek to undermine or contradict the vital contributions made by our sector.”

Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, reiterated the important role of livestock farming here.

He said: “The ruminant sectors in Northern Ireland are a key part of UK and European food supply and those MLAs who would advocate a contraction of our industry to meet unrealistic greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in Northern Ireland beyond 82 per cent by 2050 need to take a long hard look at themselves.”

Gill Gallagher, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association, added: “The agri-food sector is an integral part of the Northern Ireland economy. The proposed 82 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions should be accepted by MLAs.

“Anything in excess of this will ultimately result in significant reductions in local livestock numbers and increased imports of food with a higher carbon footprint to fulfil demand.”

Meanwhile, AgriSearch issued a similar rallying call to MLAs, writing to all the members of the Assembly urging them to base their decisions on sound science and not to amend the 82 per cent carbon reduction target.

Chairman Seamus McCaffrey said: “A net zero target is basically “mission impossible” and actually becomes a considerable disincentive for the change that is needed in the industry and as Lord Deben (Chair of the CCC) pointed out will most likely result in considerable carbon leakage as the carbon intensity of dairy, beef and lamb production in UK and Ireland is less than half the global average.”