Proposals to cut 90% of net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 is 'a change in tone' from the EU.

The European Commission has recommended that the European Union slash net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels.

The reduction is in line with recent scientific advice and the EU's commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

IFA President Francie Gorman told Newstalk Breakfast the targets will be difficult to hit.

"It's another target that we have to hit on the road to net zero by 2050," he said.

"From a farming perspective we have our national targets to hit; we have to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030.

"Those targets are difficult for us - but the one thing I would say from a farming perspective [is] we have a defined pathway about how we're going to try and hit those targets.

"We're one of the few sectors that have that".

'Food production and income'

Mr Gorman said he welcomes a 'change of tone' in these latest targets.

"The one thing the document does say, it says that food production and income in rural areas is to be protected," he said.

"I take some heart from that, there's certainly a change in tone I think in the last number of months from politicians around Europe on this issue.

"Finally our voice is being heard, the frustrations out there at farm level are absolutely palpable."

Dairy cows feeding at a dairy feed bunk in March 2005. Image: Steve Woit/Design Pics via ZUMA Wire

Mr Gorman said he believes people are missing a vital point around food production.

"If we don't produce food in this country... it's going to be produced somewhere else with a higher carbon footprint that will do more damage to the planet," he said.

"So, as a food producing country of course our emissions from agriculture are always going to be higher.

"We don't have a heavy industry, like they have in France or Germany, to be able to offset that percentage.

"We already produce our food more sustainably than most places on the planet, and we have a pathway to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030".

The latest plans follow protests against EU regulation of the industry.

Last week farmers in their thousands protested in solidarity with their European counterparts who say EU bureaucracy is severely impacting their livelihoods.

The 2040 target will now be discussed with the European Parliament and member states.

The next EU Commission will put forward legislative proposals on that basis.

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Main image: IFA President Francie Gorman at the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin, 9-1-24. Image: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie