The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is currently seeking farmer views that can feed into the development of its climate action plan for agriculture. The purpose of the plan is very much apparent by its name: Ag-Climatise, a National Climate and Air Roadmap for the Agriculture Sector to 2030 and Beyond, with the consultation period closing on Friday 10 January 2020.

Minister Creed said: “The importance of addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been reflected in the recent All-of-Government Climate Action Plan 2019 which has clearly set out the ambition for Ireland. The agricultural sector will play its part in the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society of the future, while also taking advantage of the opportunities that this challenge present.”

The All-of-Government Climate Action plan has set ambitious targets for agriculture. It contains an emissions reduction target of 10% to 15% for agriculture which, if achieved, will bring emissions to between 17.5 and 19 Mt in 2030.

The Department said the agricultural sector will also contribute to the removal of 26.8Mt CO2 from the atmosphere through afforestation and new ways of managing land.

The structure of the roadmap is composed of three elements which are detailed below:

1 Implementing changes now: Examples of proposed actions include adoption of low-emission slurry spreading equipment and changes in fertiliser type;

2 Acting in partnership: To be successful, all stakeholders, from farm to fork, will have to contribute in a spirit of partnership, bearing in mind a the need for a just transition;

3 Preparing for the future: using best available science to inform policy development and to help stakeholders make strategic choices for the future.

The consultation is composed of two elements. The Ag-Climatise roadmap which sets the scene and poses a number of questions is available at www.agriculture.gov.ie.