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# Formation of Carbon Steering Group to aid agri-food industry
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/formation-of-carbon-steering-group-to-aid-agri-food-industry/
- Published: 2023-05-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T15:05:28.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: ABP Food Group, beef

The Carbon Steering Group of Northern Ireland (NI) is an innovative coalition established to advocate for the agricultural sector and the agri-food industry, focusing on the carbon aspect of sustainability. This partnership acknowledges that a unified strategy across the industry is the most efficient method for ensuring the sector's voice is heard and that optimal solutions are found for all stakeholders in NI. Agriculture plays a crucial role in NI's ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The group has been collaboratively developing a strategy that is beneficial for farmers and lays the groundwork for carbon emissions measurement and management. The group is committed to meeting legal requirements and targets, aiming to provide opportunities that will promote the sustainable advancement of local agriculture. George Mullan, a member of the Carbon Steering Group and Chair of NIFDA, remarked, “With the NI Climate Change Act 2022 setting obligatory targets, DAERA is set to release its inaugural Climate Action Plan in December 2023, which will necessitate a substantial reduction in carbon emissions. In response, we have united to represent our farmers and the agri-food sector to ensure a unified approach. “By collaborating with farmers, processors, industry associations, government entities, and research institutions, our goal is to offer suitable solutions for carbon emissions measurement and to explore innovative emission reduction methods. Our group has taken a leadership role in formulating a market strategy and assisting farmers in addressing potential livestock reductions. “The demand for carbon emissions reduction is growing among our customers, both domestically and in international markets, offering us the chance to develop a practical system that meets information requirements and maintains the competitiveness of the NI agri-food sector.” In collaboration with DAERA, the NI Carbon Steering Group is devising a program to guide all farm businesses through their carbon management journey. To support this initiative and the collaboration with DAERA, a pilot involving whole farm data collection will be conducted on 100 farms shortly. This data will be gathered during farm visits, coinciding with inspections under the NI Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS). David Brown, Chair of the NI Carbon Steering Group, emphasized, “Our development of the program always considers the farmer's perspective, aiming for a practical, accurate, and minimally disruptive process. Effective information delivery is crucial to support carbon reduction strategies and protect farmers' data.” The Carbon Steering Group highlighted, “Addressing climate change and reducing emissions have become essential for business engagements with retailers and banks, which now consider carbon and environmental factors. Action is required from all segments of the food chain, including retailers, processors, and farmers. Farmers have made significant strides in reducing on-farm emissions, and this data collection initiative will further their efforts. We are all committed to the journey towards net zero, with farmers dedicated to lowering carbon emissions while continuing to produce high-quality food for a growing population.” The NI Carbon Steering Group comprises members from various industry bodies, including the Livestock and Meat Commission, Ulster Farmers’ Union, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, NI Meat Exporters Association, NI Food and Drink Association, NI Agricultural Producers’ Association, NI Grain Trade Association, NI Pork and Bacon Forum, NI Poultry Federation, and Moy Park.