Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 April 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 May 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Biodiversity (Agriculture, Environmental Effects)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the contribution made by (a) farmers and (b) horticulturalists in reducing UK carbon emissions.

Answer: The agriculture and forestry sector contributes 7 per cent. of UK greenhouse gas emissions. The major focus is on non-CO2 gases, with, in 2004, this sector accounting for 46 per cent. of methane and 66 per cent. of nitrous oxide emissions, but only 1 per cent. of the carbon dioxide. Annual total emissions fell by 22 per cent. between 1990 and 2004, with methane emissions reducing by 13 per cent., and nitrous oxide emissions by 17 per cent.The new UK Climate Change Programme, published March 2006, has assessed the role of the agriculture and forestry sector in addressing climate change and seeks to raise awareness of the issues across the sector and develop measures for the sector to allow it to play a full part in tackling climate change. Substantial savings are expected, assuming the proposed measures are implemented to their full potential.The horticulture sector is also making efforts on a number of fronts to reduce carbon emissions. Under the new Climate Change Agreement, growers will be entitled to an 80 per cent. discount on the levy provided they meet prescribed energy saving targets.

Secondary information