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06/08/2010
Greenhouse Group Talks 'Emissions'
It's a gas in the Department of Agriculture with news that the initial meeting of the newly formed Agriculture Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Group has been held.
The GHG Stakeholder Group has met to discuss how best to reduce greenhouse gases in the agriculture sector - mainly from cattle flatulence - while remaining competitive in the market place.
The group is comprised of stakeholder representatives across the producer, processing and environmental sectors and DARD officials, and is tasked with working to develop a strategy and action plan for the reduction of greenhouse gases in the agri-food sector.
A spokesperson said this will contribute to reduction targets at European and national levels and respond to customer requirements.
Their statement said that a key focus of the group would be on methane and nitrous oxide emission levels and on how current levels can be reduced while production expands to meet rising food demand.
Methane and nitrous oxide have a global warning potential of 21 and 310 respectively, relative to carbon dioxide. Emissions levels are a major consideration in the assessment of environmental sustainability by processors and retailers.
"Top of the agenda at the meeting was the need to agree high level themes for a strategic approach," the statement continued.
"These included optimising manure, fertilizer and livestock management; renewable energy use on-farm; and sequestration (locking in) of emissions in soil, grass, peatland and woodland."
The group said that a range of potential mitigation measures and practical steps, underpinned by scientific research, would be developed and brought together in an action plan to support delivery of an emissions reduction strategy.
The Stormont Executive has previously agreed that the Climate Change Act 2008 should extend to Northern Ireland with the Programme for Government calling for a 25% reduction across all sectors by 2025.
Agriculture in Northern Ireland is currently estimated to contribute 21% of all local GHGs mainly from Methane (livestock and manures) and Nitrous Oxide (manures and fertilisers).
(BMcC/CD)
The GHG Stakeholder Group has met to discuss how best to reduce greenhouse gases in the agriculture sector - mainly from cattle flatulence - while remaining competitive in the market place.
The group is comprised of stakeholder representatives across the producer, processing and environmental sectors and DARD officials, and is tasked with working to develop a strategy and action plan for the reduction of greenhouse gases in the agri-food sector.
A spokesperson said this will contribute to reduction targets at European and national levels and respond to customer requirements.
Their statement said that a key focus of the group would be on methane and nitrous oxide emission levels and on how current levels can be reduced while production expands to meet rising food demand.
Methane and nitrous oxide have a global warning potential of 21 and 310 respectively, relative to carbon dioxide. Emissions levels are a major consideration in the assessment of environmental sustainability by processors and retailers.
"Top of the agenda at the meeting was the need to agree high level themes for a strategic approach," the statement continued.
"These included optimising manure, fertilizer and livestock management; renewable energy use on-farm; and sequestration (locking in) of emissions in soil, grass, peatland and woodland."
The group said that a range of potential mitigation measures and practical steps, underpinned by scientific research, would be developed and brought together in an action plan to support delivery of an emissions reduction strategy.
The Stormont Executive has previously agreed that the Climate Change Act 2008 should extend to Northern Ireland with the Programme for Government calling for a 25% reduction across all sectors by 2025.
Agriculture in Northern Ireland is currently estimated to contribute 21% of all local GHGs mainly from Methane (livestock and manures) and Nitrous Oxide (manures and fertilisers).
(BMcC/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
