Farmers will be incentivised to invest in climate mitigation measures under the next CAP, Minister for Climate and the Environment Richard Bruton has said.

“In the next CAP, 40% of the money will be tied to climate and environment improvements. An incentive structure is going to be developed around that money and Ireland will have the opportunity to shape those initiatives through the CAP negotiations,” Minister Bruton told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Speaking last week at the IFA’s Smart Farming farm walk on Eamon Sheehan’s dairy farm in Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny, Minister Bruton said Irish agriculture can not only reduce its carbon emissions but is in a unique position because it can also create a store for carbon through sequestration.

A large turnout of farmers attended the event, which included discussion on protected urea, low-emissions slurry spreading and biodiversity initiatives.