Net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the whole of agricultural production by 2040 is not possible unless forestry and peatland restoration is included in calculations, according to Professor of Agriculture and Climate Change, Bob Rees, at SRUC.

NFU England and Wales president, Minette Batters used her Oxford Farming Conference speech to set out the Union’s aspirations for net zero emissions across the whole of agriculture by 2040. Recent estimates show that agriculture and related land use in Scotland releases 10m tonnes of CO2 each year, while 12.m tonnes of CO2 are stored by forestry.

“Farming can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. But you need to include forestry or peatland restoration to be able to get net zero emissions,” said Bob Rees. “New technology like smart farming and nitrification inhibitors have the potential to reduce emissions from farming. Variable rate application of fertiliser, lime and pesticides is increasingly possible due to better information and mapping of soils and plant growth.”

What is peatland restoration?

Peatland restoration is reflooding drained wetlands to bring it back to its original boggy state. This will end, or significantly reduce, agricultural production on the land but will lock up similar amounts of carbon as growing trees.

What are greenhouse gas emissions?

There are three main greenhouse gases emitted from farming:

  • Nitrous oxide – This is emitted from farming through applying inorganic fertilisers, manures, crop residues and soil organic matter. Food production will always require nitrogen use, but focus will be on more efficient utilisation in the future.
  • Methane – This is released by ruminants like cattle and sheep. More efficient genetics and feeding could reduce the amount of methane released in an animal’s lifetime. Pigs and chicken biologically emit methane.
  • Carbon dioxide – While this is emitted from food production, most of this is recycled due to plant respiration through photosynthesis. When entire production systems are looked at, farming emits and recycles similar levels of carbon dioxide. Soils, and in particular grassland soils, have the potential to store some additional carbon through sequestration at rates of up to one tonne of carbon per hectare, per year.