GHG emissions related to agriculture have been allocated the lowest reduction target of any sector in the governments Climate Action Plan. I would like to see Waterford show that these targets can be exceeded, while at the same time improving the quality of our ecosystems, and the livelihoods of our farming families.
As a council, we have no direct responsibility for farming itself, but we have responsibility for our environment and for our communities. Water quality issues, related to farm runoff, should be highlighted and corrective action taken by the farmers or facilities, with the support of relevant bodies.
We already have examples of innovative approaches by farmers in the county, such as the Comeragh Upland Communities EIP Project, which is bringing farmers and ecologists together and looking at solutions which benefit everyone. I would like to see the council actively seek out other groups or communities, and signpost them to the support and funding agencies which could lead to more examples of best practice being worked on in our county.
One area where the council can influence agriculture is by our procurement processes. Can we incorporate some measurement of carbon footprint or GHG emissions into any food purchases for events?