The Beef Plan Movement (BPM) has said that it is deeply concerned by recent discussions regarding a reduction in Ireland's carbon emissions and an associated potential cut in livestock numbers.

The organisation’s vice chairman, John Moloney told Agriland:

“The debate around agriculture has focused on reducing the national livestock herd.

"Unlike countries such as the US and Brazil, where feedlots and factory farms are prominent, Ireland has supported a grass-based family farm model," he added.

"As a result, there is little scope for beef farms to cut emissions as they are already ultra efficient," he continued.

BPM said that many farms have also invested heavily in slurry storage facilities and sheds, to ensure a high standard of animal welfare is maintained over the winter months.

BPM added that any measures which will affect beef output must be met with a commitment from both the Irish government and the European Union (EU) to ensure farmers receive a cost of production plus a margin.

According to Moloney, there is now a requirement to set a minimum price for beef which reflects increased costs.

“Presently, we believe the absolute minimum figure for this to be €5/kg, which should also be upwards only index-linked. Farmers cannot be expected to continue producing safe and environmentally sustainable food on an ever-decreasing margin."

Justifying, the €5/kg minimum threshold, Moloney continued:

“Fertiliser and diesel have risen in price by 100% and 50% respectively. Other inputs have risen exponentially also.

“It should be funded by processors, retailers and consumers combined so costs are not all passed back to the primary producer.

BPM said it is also disappointed with what it regards as the complete lack of innovation displayed by government agencies, where climate change is concerned.

“They seem to have invested a huge amount of time and money calculating the emissions from our farms,” Moloney said.

“With over 12 millon acres of grass and 500,000km of hedgerows one would think this would be a priority," he concluded.