Organic’s climate action credentials recognised in Government’s new Climate Plan

The Irish Government has published the Climate Action Plan 2021, which sets out pathways for Ireland to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The Plan includes challenging targets for the agriculture sector to reduce emissions by 22-30% by the end of the decade, with organic farming identified as part of the solution.

Gillian Westbrook, Irish Organic Association CEO, said “With growing awareness of the urgency for Ireland and its European partners to take decisive action to address climate change, the Irish Organic Association welcomes the publication of the new Climate Action Plan and recognition of the positive role that organic farming can play in the fight against climate change”. The Irish public has also been clear for some time of the value of organic farming for climate action as demonstrated in the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change”.

She added, “The organic sector has the potential to increase its climate performance in combination with other land and farm management measures and there is a growing demand for organic produce both at home and abroad. The Irish Organic Association looks forward to learning more about how Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Irish food industry plan to invest over the next decade in the further development of a dynamic, innovative and market-orientated organic sector that works for farmers and society”.