The President of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), Jerry Long has described the Government’s Climate Action Plan as very demanding for the agri-food sector, but said the sector must play its part in delivering a low carbon future for the next generation.

Mr. Long said “Farmers and the wider agri-food sector should be under no illusions that the Action Plan, as set out by the Government will require a significant effort by all stakeholders working collaboratively, if we are to achieve the 10-15% reduction target.”

He continued, “The plan includes very demanding targets for the agri-food sector including increasing the usage of protected urea from 1% of the straight N market today to 50% by 2030, increasing the usage of trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading from 10% to 50% by 2030, increasing the average EBI from €70 today to €230 by 2030 and doubling average afforestation rates from 5,500 ha per annum today to 10,000 ha per annum by 2030.”

Mr. Long said “ICOS and our members across the dairy, livestock and rural enterprise sectors are willing to play our part and will contribute constructively to the achievement of the Climate Action Plan. However, the approach by Government must always remain balanced and supportive of Ireland’s leading, sustainable grass-fed model of production.”

He concluded “We welcome the collaborative approach emphasised by Minister Creed and the establishment of new industry working groups on low emission fertilizers, animal feed and the progression of the sign post farm initiative.”

ICOS (the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society) represents over 130 co-operatives in Ireland – including the Irish dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts – whose associated businesses have a combined turnover in the region of €14 billion, with some 150,000 individual members, employing 12,000 people in Ireland, and a further 24,000 people overseas.

ENDS