Welcoming the publication of the study, Teagasc Director of Research, Dr. Frank O’Mara who was a member of the project Advisory Board, said; “This study is particularly important as it is the first time such a range of products have been compared across all EU countries in a single comprehensive study. This will help shape future policy and strategy in relation to the twin goals of food security and climate change.”

“If we need extra food, Ireland is a great place to produce it because of the low carbon footprint, and we are also in good shape with water availability, biodiversity and animal welfare standards. Food and marketing companies should use this to drive export growth, especially in affluent markets that put a premium on environmental and ethical standards,” he said.

This comprehensive study confirms Teagasc research that Ireland is a very efficient food producer with low carbon footprints. One key factor in this is our grass-based production system and the associated sequestration of carbon in grassland. Ireland has one of the highest proportions in the EU of grassland in its agricultural land.