Farmers Must Be Central to Ireland’s Renewable Energy Future

IFA has launched the IFA Energy from Farms Policy Proposals Document, urging Government to back farmers as central players in delivering Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

IFA President Francie Gorman said farmers are uniquely positioned to be leaders in renewable energy. Ireland’s climate plan sets ambitious targets for biomethane, solar and renewable heat, but current schemes and regulations are obstructing any meaningful progress.

Chair of the Energy from Farms Project Team Frank Brady said the new policy paper sets out clear recommendations to make farm-based renewables viable.

“It calls for stronger financial support for farm-scale anaerobic digestion and biomethane projects; fairer tariffs for electricity from solar; wind and biogas; and reforms to planning and grid access so rural areas are not left behind,” he said.

“Budget 2026 is only days away. Farmers want to invest in biomethane, but the numbers don’t stack up with the current level of grant support coupled with the delay in introducing a Renewable Heat Obligation scheme. Unless grant aid is increased and there is market demand for biomethane, only a handful of projects will ever get off the ground,” he said.

“The IFA document sets out tangible proposals which need to be taken seriously. Without immediate intervention, Ireland risks becoming a laggard in renewable energy while our European neighbours forge ahead. Farmers are willing and ready, but Government must close the gap,” he concluded.

The full document can be found here.