Partnership and efficiency are key to reducing greenhouses gases from agriculture sector: McIlveen (external link opens in a new window / tab)

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has met the Agri-Forestry Greenhouse Gases Implementation Partnership (GHGIP) to discuss how the agriculture sector is progressing in tackling greenhouses gases.

DAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen meets with members of the Agriculture and Forestry Greenhouse Gas Implementation Partnership to discuss how the agriculture sector is progressing in tackling greenhouses gases

Speaking after the meeting in Belfast, Miss McIlveen said: 'I welcomed the meeting with the members of the GHGIP. There is a wealth of agricultural experience within the membership and I commend the efforts of the partnership and the wider agri-food industry to reduce its carbon footprint.'

The GHGIP is a partnership between Government, agriculture producers and processors and environmental representatives working jointly to tackle the issue of greenhouse gas emissions arising from agriculture.

The group published 'Efficient Farming Cuts Greenhouse Gases Implementation Plan 2016-2020' in September last year. The plan is focused on increasing the implementation of efficiency measures designed to have a beneficial impact on both GHG emissions and farm profitability. A key action within the plan was to develop a scientifically and statistically robust indicator of progress on GHG emissions intensity for two of our key agricultural outputs - milk and beef.

Following a joint project by DAERA Economists and AFBI, DAERA published a statistical report on first phase of this work which presents findings from a carbon footprint time series study on Northern Ireland's dairy farms.

The Minister added: 'The recent publication clearly shows the progress made by the local dairy industry which has achieved a 30.7% reduction in the amount of carbon it takes to produce a litre of milk since 1990. This has been achieved while dairy cow numbers have remained relatively steady and production has increased by over 60%, clearly demonstrating the benefits brought about by increased efficiency, technological improvements and structural change, all of which play a part in the Efficient Farming approach.'

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Northern Ireland Director of Dairy UK and Chair of the GHGIP Dairy Sub Group, Dr Mike Johnston said: 'We know that our industry is already an efficient producer of high quality milk and dairy products, and the publication proves this to be the case. Our focus will now turn to how we can use this information to achieve further reductions by targeting measures to the key factors which influence carbon intensity and yield including replacement rates, calving age, concentrate feed and fertiliser.'

Minister McIlveen concluded: 'I want to see this type of partnership continue to benefit our agriculture sector, supporting sustainable growth and improving our environmental performance. The Efficient Farming approach successfully demonstrates that it is possible to achieve both. I urge all farmers to consider the opportunities they have to implement the on-farm efficiency measures contained within the Efficient Farming plan and to avail of the financial and advisory support available through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.'

1. GHGIP Membership organisations include:

• Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)
• Confederation of Forest Industries UK (CONFOR)
• Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC)
• Dairy UK (NI)
• DAERA
• Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC)
• Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA)
• Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA)
• Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association (NIAPA)
• Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU)

2. The DAERA statistical bulletin is available to view on the DAERA website.

3. The Greenhouse Gas Implementation Partnership's Implementation Plan 2016-2020 can be downloaded from the DAERA website.

4. Follow us on Twitter @daera_ni(external link opens in a new window / tab) .

5. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: [e-mail]. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

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