Are you taking advantage of the supports available to your farm?
A wide range of supports is available to help farmers adopt practices and techniques that reduce greenhouse emissions. File picture
Over the past four to five years, there has been a significant shift in farmers’ understanding of emissions, along with a growing willingness to engage and be part of the solution. Regardless of a farmer’s motivation for engaging with climate action, most farms will require support to enable meaningful change.
Achieving change typically requires a combination of regulation, advisory support and financial incentives. The adoption of low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) is a clear example of what can be achieved when the right environment is created. Regulations under derogation required the use of LESS, financial support was provided through TAMS to invest in equipment, and Teagasc supplied independent, science-based advice on its benefits and correct use.
If Ireland is to meet the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2025, a similar combination of these three levers will be required.
A wide range of supports is currently available to help Irish farmers adopt practices and technologies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while also delivering co-benefits for profitability, biodiversity, water quality and soil health.
Capital investment is supported through TAMS grants for items such as LESS slurry spreading equipment, improved slurry storage, precision agriculture tools, renewable energy systems, grassland measurement tools and animal performance monitoring equipment. These investments improve efficiency, reduce emissions and support productivity, with grant aid of 40%, rising to 60% for young, female and organic farmers.
The Forestry Programme offers up to 100% establishment grants and tax-free annual premiums for a range of forestry and agroforestry options. These measures support carbon sequestration, enhance biodiversity and reduce risks to water quality.
Under the Eco-scheme, farmers receive an annual per-hectare payment for adopting practices such as biodiversity protection, soil sampling, reduced stocking rates, native tree, and hedgerow planting, and precision nutrient management. All of these actions contribute to lower emissions and increased carbon storage.
The Organic Farming Scheme supports conversion to organic production, helping to reduce emissions through lower input use and enhanced biodiversity. Additional tillage-specific supports include the Straw Incorporation Measure, catch crops and the Protein Aid Scheme.
Many milk and meat processors also offer sustainability incentive payments, rewarding farmers for adopting measures aligned with the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve. These include reduced chemical nitrogen use, the use of protected urea, improved animal performance and hedgerow planting.
Finally, the free Signpost Advisory Programme provides tailored guidance to help farmers identify and implement the most appropriate emission-reducing actions for their own farms. This advice is supported by emerging schemes such as ACRES, carbon farming initiatives and knowledge transfer groups.
The question for every farm business is simple: Are you taking full advantage of the supports and services available to you?
- Dr Siobhán Kavanagh is the Teagasc Signpost Programme communications and engagement specialist
