Agriculture
Agriculture
Introduction
Greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector increased by 2.9% to 23.09 Mt CO2eq. in 2021, compared to 2020. Irish agriculture has a positive international reputation in terms of producing high quality, sustainable produce. The long-term challenge for the sector is to meet the national policy objective of climate neutrality, while not compromising our capacity for sustainable food production. The Government is committed to finding the balance between environmental, climate and biodiversity needs, and supports for farmers.
Climate Action Plan 2023 outlines measures to meet our national targets. This is underpinned by actions aimed at: reducing emissions on our farms by vigorously adopting the abatement opportunities identified by Teagasc; promoting diversification of land use as part of a gradual transition; harnessing opportunities in the bioeconomy; realising the potential of sustainable bioenergy supply opportunities; better management of our peatlands and soils; and developing clusters of exemplar practice.
Agriculture targets set in the 2023 Climate Action Plan
The following targets were set for the sector by 2030:
Carbon Budget 1: 106 MtCO2eq.
Carbon Budget 2: 96 MtCO2eq.
Emissions Abatement (on 2018): -25% (17.25 MtCO2eq. per annum by 2030)
Consultation Questions
- What are the opportunities to increase take-up of measures identified in AgClimatise and encourage adoption of other practices which reduce emissions?
- What policies and measures would be needed to support farmers diversify their farm activities to include opportunities such as bioenergy, vegetable growth, forestry, organic farming, etc.?
- What can be done to maximise the use of grass, manure, and silage as feedstock for biomethane generation or for processing through biorefineries?
- What other opportunities exist to support the decarbonisation of the agriculture sector?
- What specific measures can be taken in agriculture to adapt to climate change?