While there is an "urgent need" for further research and planning into the role of Irish agriculture in curbing greenhouse gas emissions, it is already clear this will involve deep changes in the way land is used across the nation, the Climate Change Advisory Council has warned.

In its new periodic review report, the independent body tasked with advising the Government on climate policy says Ireland must decide now how its agriculture will achieve the national objective of "neutrality in the agriculture and land use sector by 2050" – a point where Irish farms and forests would take as much greenhouse gas from the atmosphere as they emit.

Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, but has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 12 years

ADVERTISEMENT

The Council identifies four key areas to work on:

  • So-called negative emission technologies, which actually remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Growing biomass and capturing the gas when it is burned is one option.
  • Improving plant breeding, genomics, farm management and technology to reduce emissions of methane from ruminants and nitrous oxide from fertiliser. In particular, "research has shown that a switch to lower-emission fertilisers would be effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions," the report states in reference to protected urea.
  • Take account of the differences between greenhouse gases. "For example, methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, but has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 12 years. Nitrous oxide is more potent than methane and carbon dioxide, and has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 120 years," the council wrote, adding that this should also provide alternative income opportunities.
  • Diversify land use. This could mean switching enterprises or running several productions on the same piece of land: "Currently, many Irish farmers are locked into low-income, low-profit farming systems. Opportunities to provide alternative and more remunerative income opportunities for these groups may emerge, for example through alternative uses for grass, and conversion of land to renewable energy and biomass production," the report suggests. Paying farmers for ecosystem services is also mentioned. The CAP after 2020 is identified as the main policy in this area.

    • The Climate Advisory Council also highlights the role of forestry in storing carbon to offset emissions from agriculture in the coming decades. "The National Forest Policy is to increase forest cover from 11% (768,000ha) to 18% by 2050. Successful implementation of the plan is important, and the possibility of greater ambition should be explored," its members wrote.

    Vulnerable peatlands

    Their report warns that draining and harvesting peaty soils will have to stop, while existing farmland can be enhanced to store more carbon: "Organic soils, wetlands and peatlands represent the largest and most vulnerable stocks of soil carbon in Ireland. The treatment of these stocks will be a key factor for achievement of neutrality for the agriculture and land-use sector."

    Managing all these challenges at the same time will require "a comprehensive land use strategy, with inclusion of all land uses," the experts conclude.

    The 11-member council includes Teagasc director prof Gerry Boyle and professor emeritus of European agricultural policy at Trinity College, Alan Matthews.

    Read more

    Listen: national plan balances food production and climate efforts

    Map: how soil carbon may shape the future of farming

    Farmer Writes: missing players on climate change

    Full coverage: agriculture and climate change