The Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) has called on Bord Bia to recognise the carbon credentials of Irish-grown tillage crops in striving to combat climate change.

In a statement, the IGGG said that every avenue needs to be explored to help livestock, pig, and poultry farmers reduce their carbon footprint.

"A small step has been taken by Bord Bia of late to recognise the carbon footprint of imported soya in their carbon-footprint calculator, which we welcome.

"However, it only highlights the need to push this agenda further."

The IGGG has posed this question to Bord Bia:

"A clear recognition must be given to fully traceable GMO-free Irish grain and legumes in order to give all Irish farmers a real positive and very doable option of reducing their carbon footprint on farm without, perhaps, resorting to cutting production."

The IGGG added that Teagasc needs to provide information on the benefits of feeding native feed meal when it comes to a farmer's carbon footprint.

According to the IGGG, Irish farmers who already feed native Irish meal get neither reward nor recognition when it comes to the carbon credit calculation for Bord Bia.

Recent reports on the tillage sector from Tillage Industry Ireland, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, and Crops 2030 by the Teagasc Stakeholder Group show the potential benefits of the sector, the IGGG said.

"The AgClimatise document builds on those reports but steps now need to be taken rather than allowing dust settle on these reports. We must act on the recommendations put forward."