Teagasc professor Dr Frank O’Mara has said that research is currently underway to try to quantify the carbon sequestration potential of hedgerows on Irish farms.

Farmers have long called for the ability of hedgerows to be recognised and Dr O’Mara said that there was up to 150m/ha of hedgerow on farms.

Speaking at an Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Wednesday 28 April, Dr O’Mara said: “Current research is focused on quantifying the potential for sequestration through hedgerow management or further planting.

“That work is in progress, but it is an active area for us. While hedgerows might not have as much sequestration potential as soils, they are nevertheless an important sequestration route that we want to quantify better.”