Ulster farmers can play important role in climate change fight

The local farming industry can play a key role in the European Union's fight against climate change, according to the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU).

"The farming industry has potential to contribute to the economy and the challenge of climate change through alternative land uses," said UFU rural enterprise policy chairman Michael Harnett.

"Renewable energy crops and other alternative land uses have the potential to be an exciting option for the farming industry, bringing sustainability to the rural economy and helping society to meet its environmental obligations."

Mr Harnett made the statement following proposals from the European Commission to introduce a number measures to tackle climate change, including a target of 20% usage of renewables in Europe's overall energy consumption by 2020.