Signpost: Developing a carbon farming framework in Ireland

Carbon farming recognises the capacity of farmers through appropriate land-based activities to remove carbon from the atmosphere or reduce GHG emissions from the soil.

Carbon farming recognises the capacity of farmers through appropriate land-based activities to remove carbon from the atmosphere or reduce GHG emissions from the soil.

Irish agriculture is making steady progress on climate action. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dropped by around 2% in 2024, with agriculture contributing significantly after a 4.9% fall in 2023. 

These reductions were driven by declines in nitrogen fertiliser use and improved management practices – demonstrating that farmers are an important part of the solution to the climate change challenge.