Answer given by Mr Wojciechowski on behalf of the European Commission
10.1.2024
Irish Department of Agriculture published a report[1] outlining measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the dairy sector, including measures to reduce livestock. However, the Commission is not aware of the alleged proposal of the Irish Government to cull 200 000 cows.
Reducing GHG emissions is a priority, including for livestock. That is an essential part of EU agriculture and when properly managed, it also contributes to the Union’s circular economy.
However, it is also one of the main EU methane emitters and a significant source of nitrogen pollution. Reducing livestock numbers could contribute to reducing emissions and achieving binding climate targets set out in the EU Effort Sharing Regulation. The Commission has assessed the National Energy and Climate Plans submitted by Member States to meet such targets[2].
There is also potential to reduce livestock climate impact by increasing resource efficiency, using technical progress and rearing farm animals under a circular paradigm.
Under the environmental and climate objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Member States included targeted actions in their CAP Strategic Plans, including animal welfare commitments and investments, eco-schemes and agri-environment-climate interventions.
Measures improving grassland management and animal feeding, as well as manure management, will contribute to reduce animal density in some area and associated emission.
In the specific case of Ireland, the Commission’s Country Specific Recommendations ask to support the transition towards more sustainable agriculture[3].
- [1] https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/968f6-interim-report-of-food-vision-dairy-group-published/
- [2] https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment/implementation-eu-countries/energy-and-climate-governance-and-reporting/national-energy-and-climate-plans_en#national-energy-and-climate-plans-2021-2030
- [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52020SC0377