NI BCR scheme ‘undermining’ traditional grass-based systems – TUV

agricultural spokesperson, councillor Allister Kyle. He is strongly of the view that the measure is a form of “carbon accounting” that has been endorsed by Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir and his department. Cllr Kyle said: “While BCR is sold as a win for the climate, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. “On paper, the plan seems simple: slaughter cattle younger to reduce methane. But in the real world, this is forcing a move away from what we do best, growing beef off grass. “To hit these tighter slaughter ages, farmers are being pushed to use more high-energy, imported feed to get the weight on the animals in time. “It’s a total contradiction. The department wants to cut emissions, yet the scheme drives a reliance on feed brought in from halfway across the world with its own massive carbon footprint.” According to the TUV representative, Northern Ireland’s real strength has always been a reliance on grass-based production ...