We have to pick a pathway on climate action that “minimises burdens and maximises opportunities”, according to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton.
The minister made the comments as he was speaking at day two of the Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA’s) Annual General Meeting (AGM) today (Wednesday, January 30).
Image source: Finbarr O’Rourke
In a discussion entitled ‘Growing the agri-food sector while addressing the climate challenge’ with IFA president Joe Healy, Minister Bruton highlighted that “deep structural changes will be required” in order to decarbonise the economy.
He added that the main focus of Government will be on industry “being competitive in a decarbonised world”.
Commenting on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the minister said: “Managing greenhouse gas emissions will be central to the farm enterprise.
The CAP will be a very different animal when it’s looking at carbon as a level of burden for our communities.
Addressing concerns from the floor that agriculture is being unfairly burdened by others who are not pulling their weight, Minister Bruton said: “If this ends up with agriculture fighting with industry, transport or communities, then we will lose.
“We will lose the battle to achieve the structural change that is our responsibility to deliver.”