Fertiliser in the firing line as Department to focus on reduction to meet emissions targets

High levels of take-up needed across 135,000 farms for a new, lower emission model of beef and dairy production

Chemical nitrogen use is responsible for around 40% of nitrous oxide emissions on Irish farms. Picture: iStock

Changes to how every farmer in Ireland uses chemical fertiliser appear now inevitable as the Department announces nitrous oxide emissions will be a top priority for national emissions reductions over the next three years.

Experts say early action and high levels of take-up will be required across as many as 135,000 farms to drive momentum towards a new, lower emission model of beef and dairy production.