Big changes likely on farms to meet climate targets

Maximum progress in beef genomics and dairy EBI will be needed as part of the bid to achieve 2020 and 2030 climate targets in the Irish agriculture, forestry and land-use sectors, according to Teagasc.

Meeting the targets, and delivering carbon neutrality, will be extremely challenging, according to the Agriculture and Food Development Authority’s submission for the Government’s climate mitigation planning.

It said increased afforestation (aiming for up to 20,000 hectares per annum, three times the current planting) will be one of the measures necessary, requiring further incentivisation for afforestation.

Ireland has to substantially cut greenhouse gas emissions, even as the food industry’s Foodwise 2025 plan is projected to increase gases by 6%.

Farmers are likely to see an emphasis on appropriate nutrient management, slurry management and, where possible, the use of grass legume mixtures and a move to more efficient fertilisers.

These measures are all needed for increased nitrogen efficiency.

Drainage of poorly drained mineral soils will also play a role.

Forestry and other measures will sequester or reduce gases and losses of carbon, but sequestration is capped by the EU, and removal of this cap in a post-2030 EU agreement is required, because of the large capacity for sequestration, according to Teagasc.

Further progress to 2050 would require investment in research to develop breakthrough mitigation methods.

Using grass mostly, along with some pig slurry and poultry litter, to generate bioenergy could play a major role in moving towards carbon neutrality.

Using urea fertiliser coated with a urease inhibitor; adoption of trailing shoe slurry spreading; and covering external slurry stores, are important mitigation measures.