IFA Calls for Increased Investment to Deliver Climate Targets and Avoid Costly Inaction

IFA Environment and Rural Affairs Chair John Murphy said he is deeply concerned by the assumptions contained in the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council’s report, The Hidden Costs of Inaction, particularly the modelling of how agricultural emissions targets could be met, including scenarios that rely heavily on reductions in livestock numbers.

“This is a very short-term and narrow framing of how Ireland can achieve its climate objectives in agriculture. It highlights scenarios that would have significant implications for farm output and incomes at a time when global demand for Irish food remains strong and the value of the sector has increased significantly,” John Murphy said.

The report outlines that the costs of missing Ireland’s climate targets could range from €7.5bn to €26.4bn, with the largest share arising under the Effort Sharing Regulation, which includes agriculture and could cost between €5.4bn and €16.2bn. Land use and forestry could account for a further €2.6bn to €5.8bn.

He said these figures underline the importance of ensuring Ireland meets its climate obligations in a way that is economically and environmentally sustainable.

“The answer is not less agriculture; it is smarter, more sustainable agriculture. Farmers must be supported to invest in the technologies, practices and innovations that can reduce emissions while maintaining farm viability, sustaining rural economies and preserving Ireland’s capacity to produce high quality food,” the IFA Environment Chair said.

“The scale of the potential cost of inaction clearly demonstrates that Government must significantly increase targeted supports for farmers.”

“If Ireland is serious about meeting its climate obligations, farmers need practical and properly funded measures to implement the actions set out in the Climate Action Plan and deliver emissions reductions while continuing to produce food sustainably,” he added.

“It is vital that all viable mitigation pathways are fully developed and supported. Science and technology are evolving rapidly, with advances in genomic and animal breeding technologies, methane-reducing feed strategies, and slurry additives all offering real potential to reduce emissions at farm level without the need to reduce livestock numbers.”

“There are also ongoing improvements in the measurement of biogenic methane, which will be critical to ensuring policy is based on robust and up-to-date science,” John Murphy said.

“It would be extremely damaging to pursue policy choices that rely too heavily on any single reduction pathway when a broader range of mitigation options are becoming increasingly available.”

“A balanced approach is essential if Ireland is to meet its climate targets while safeguarding the future of family farming and ensuring that productive agriculture remains at the heart of Ireland’s climate transition,” John Murphy concluded.