SHARING OPTIONS: The NI dairy sector would become a cottage industry if radical climate targets are adopted, industry leaders have warned. The provisional findings of an independent analysis commissioned by the Northern Ireland (NI) agri-food industry suggests that livestock numbers will have to be cut by up to 85% to achieve a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2045. That target is set out in a private members’ bill taken forward by NI Green Party leader Clare Bailey, currently being scrutinised by politicians at Stormont. Giving evidence to the Stormont agriculture committee last Thursday, the chief executive of the NI Meat Exporters’ Association (NIMEA) Conall Donnelly delivered a blunt assessment of the proposed legislation. He criticised the lack of consultation on the targets within the bill, and the failure to understand what impact it might have on rural communities.