Climate Action: Agriculture and Bioeconomy

Agriculture is a key area of the Climate Action Plan 2021 and actions and targets are set out in the Plan aimed at reducing emissions from this sector by between 22% and 30% by 2030.

These include:

• Significantly reducing chemical nitrogen fertilizer use to 325,000 tonnes per annum.
• Improving animal breeding and feeding.
• Increasing organically farmed land almost five-fold to 350,000 hectares.
• Managing emissions from our dairy herd and transforming our model of beef production.
• Producing 1.6 TWh of indigenous, sustainably produced biomethane per year.
• Reviewing diversification opportunities for farmers, including energy production, agroforestry and woodland creation.

Actions recently completed under previous Climate Action Plans include:

• ‘Ag Climatise’ – a National Climate & Air Roadmap published which sets out action to help make the agriculture sector climate neutral by 2050.
• Agricultural Catchment Programme now monitor emissions across farming systems which will help monitor the impacts of agriculture on our environment.
• Network of exemplar farms identified under the Signpost Farm Programme to demonstrate best climate practices by farmers.
• Teagasc nutrient advice book revised to include advice on the use of low nitrogen fertiliser for different livestock and cropping systems, which is an important step towards reducing emissions on farms.
• Origin Green Charter redeveloped to incorporate emission reduction targets for manufacturing.
• Organic Farming Scheme opened for applications during March and April 2021.
• Teagasc/Bord Bia co-operation agreement put in place to support the reduction of agricultural emissions.
• Pilot schemes on carbon sequestration in tillage soil and results-based agri-environment measures launched.
• Advisory and education services to farmers rolled out to advise farmers on technologies relating to Climate Action.

For more information on the progress Ireland has made to date, please see the Climate Action Plan Progress Reports.

Agriculture was responsible for 37.1% of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2020.

The main sources of emissions come from methane emitted by cattle and sheep, fertilisers, manures, animal faeces and urine and diesel for agricultural machinery.

Actions outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2021 to support Ireland’s bioeconomy include:

• Production of a three-year Bioeconomy Action Plan in 2022.
• Recommendations and advice from National Bioeconomy Forum for future iterations of the Climate Action Plan, key policies and other key Government strategies.
• Identification of education, training and skill gaps.
• Exploration of potential funding mechanisms.

Actions recently completed under previous Climate Action Plans include:

• Bioeconomy Ireland Week took place in October 2021 with the theme “Build Back Better”.
• Funding provided for a research project on the bioeconomy - Agri Bio Circular Economy and BiOrbic.
• Clarification provided regarding the categorisation of bioeconomy terms under the current legislative definition of "waste".

For more information on the progress Ireland has made to date, please see the Climate Action Plan Progress Reports.

The bioeconomy is the production of renewable biological resources and converting it into food, feed, bio-based products and bio-energy.

It includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food and pulp and paper production, as well as parts of chemical, biotechnological and energy industries.

The bioeconomy plays an important role in helping to reduce emissions. For example its bio-based products can be used as a substitute for fossil-based feedstock or to store carbon.

The sector has strong innovation potential and can support Ireland's transition to a more integrated sustainable, low carbon economy.

The State offers a number of supports to landowners to plant new forest or support existing forests. Teagasc provides the following grants:

• Forestry Establishment Grants: Financial support to establish a new broadleaf or conifer forest.
• Forestry Management Grants: Financial support to better manage your existing forest.

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