Fermanagh MLA welcomes clarification from climate change committee

Mrs. Barton said: "The letter of April 1 from the CCC, which is chaired by Lord Deben, clarifies recommendations for Northern Ireland.

"These include that any climate legislation for Northern Ireland include a target to reduce all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 82 per cent by 2050.

"They include that Northern Ireland's position as a strong agri-food exporter to the rest of the UK, combined with more limited capabilities to use 'engineered' greenhouse gas removal technologies, means that it is likely to remain a small net source of greenhouse gas emissions – almost entirely from agriculture.

"They include that a Net Zero target covering all GHGs cannot credibly be set for Northern Ireland. Targets should be ambitious, but must be evidence-based, and deliverable with a fair and equitable route map to achieving them.

"This is very useful information and clarification. It provides a practical plan for a way forward in this debate; we should not set unrealistic targets that are impossible to meet.

"To simply close down up to 50 per cent of Northern Ireland's agricultural land production would potentially result in us importing agricultural products from countries such as Argentina and Brazil, which have much weaker food quality standards, are removing large areas of rainforests, and have the consequence of significantly increasing food miles to Northern Ireland.

"Northern Ireland produces food with excellent animal health and welfare standards. We should not subject our local consumers to much inferior food products, just in an attempt to reach an unrealistic target.

"Climate change is something that impacts on everyone, including the agricultural sector.

"Farmers will play their part in a positive manner to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a practical way," said Mrs. Barton.